A COUNCILLOR accused of slapping a political rival and damaging his teeth has resigned from a key post.

Tory Cllr Penny Jackman, 47, has quit as Lymington’s leisure boss after being arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Cllr Jackman is alleged to have struck by-election candidate Mike Beggs, 72, in a row over his campaign leaflets.

She was arrested and questioned about the incident before being released on bail pending further inquiries.

She has resigned as chairman of Lymington and Pennington Town Council’s amenities committee – a post she had for only a few months.

She has not resigned as a town councillor and is still a member of the committee.