JOHN MORGAN has stepped down from the Conservative groups on the Vale of White Horse and Wantage Town councils.

However he still remains an independent councillor on both.

Morgan, 75, was yesterday convicted of stealing £154,000 from elderly Alzheimer’s sufferer Beryl Gittens.

Vale council leader Matt Barber said he called Morgan last night to ask for his resignation.

Mr Barber said: “It is frustrating for everyone, the situation would be much clearer if we weren’t still waiting for the sentencing.”

Mr Morgan is due to be sentenced on January 10.

Mr Barber said Morgan could not automatically be removed from the council until he was given a custodial sentence of more than three months.

Wantage Mayor Fiona Roper said: “The fact that this has happened is dreadful but a lot of people here know him and seem to regard him quite highly.”

Morgan refused to comment when contacted today.