An MP has called on any councillor to be disqualified if they have been sentenced to any term behind bars five years prior to being elected.

Enfield Southgate MP David Burrowes tabled the amendment to the Government’s Devolution which currently requires a three month sentence or more to trigger disqualification.

The MP spoke of Cllr Nesimi Erbil, who was suspended from the Labour party in January 2015 after being convicted of fraud offences in September 2014.

He was found to be driving with a fake “all London” green taxi licence when he was only entitled to drive in his cab in Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest and Hackney.

He was fined £580 and given eight points on his licence, as well as a four-week suspended prison sentence.

Making his case in Parliament, the MP said: “In my constituency, Councillor Nesimi Erbil was convicted of two offences of fraud under the Fraud Act 2006.

“Yet he continues to be free to sit on committees and have influence over the people of Enfield. He can sit on planning committees-and, indeed, licensing committees, on one of which he sat after his conviction for the fraudulent licence offence."

He added: "This amendment to the Act would ensure that any councillor convicted of an offence warranting a custodial sentence, whatever its length, was disqualified.

“I am not sure why the Act specified a three-month limit, but I think that we can do a lot better in 2015.”

Replying on behalf of the government, James Wharton MP said: "Many things have changed since 1972, and this section is in need of amendment.

“Our strong preference is to consult on change, and to work with colleagues in the local government sector and the Electoral Commission.

“This work will include not only reviewing and possibly amending the rules of disqualification for standing for election, including rules about employees standing for election and about residence."

Speaking after the debate Mr Burrowes said: "Cllr Terry Neville, leader of the Conservative Group on Enfield Council, has really led the way on this and I am very grateful to him.

“I am pleased the Government appears willing to consider amending this law. It is completely wrong for Councillors like Nesimi Erbil, convicted of fraud, to sit on committees which have influence over the lives of law-abiding people in Enfield."