Is it a conflict of interest for a magistrate to also be an elected Councillor?

One of the Councillors on Tamworth Borough Council is currently a serving magistrate.

There is no specific legal prohibition against a magistrate also serving as an elected councillor. However, it could be perceived as a conflict of interest depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the responsibilities of the councillor.Magistrates are required to remain impartial and independent when making decisions in court. Serving as a councillor may raise concerns about potential conflicts of interest or bias, especially if the case involves a local issue or the council’s policies.The Magistrates Association, which represents magistrates in England and Wales, advises its members to avoid conflicts of interest by not sitting on cases where they have a personal or financial interest, or where their impartiality may reasonably be called into question.Ultimately, the decision to serve as both a magistrate and councillor rests with the individual, but they should be mindful of their obligations to remain impartial and avoid conflicts of interest.