A councillor has been accused of misusing parking privileges to travel to London to advise the Prime Minister.

Horsham district councillor Andrew Dunlop has admitted using two council-run car parks to park for free in the town to avoid paying railway station car parking fees.

The 52-year-old, who became David Cameron’s new advisor on Scotland last month, used the car parks to allow him to catch trains to London to carry out his work in Downing Street.

The father-of-two has been accused of using council privileges while not engaged in council duties.

Coun Dunlop, who lives in Partridge Green, has apologised and said he stopped the practice as soon as council officers warned him it was a breach of the rules.

The councillor has suggested a standards committee meeting should be held to look into the issue and has offered to pay back any unpaid parking fees.