Ex-pat councillor hits back at media claims he's in charge of corruption-hit authority

ALICANTE
A British resident of a Costa Blanca housing development is in the dog house after UK and Spanish media claimed he had become the “accidental mayor” of a corruption-hit local authority.

Animal-loving Mark Lewis, who was elected to San Fulgencio council near Alicante last year, rubbished claims which were broadcast on BBC and appeared in British and Spanish national press.

A wave of corruption arrests led to him being dubbed the “accidental mayor” after he became one of only two ruling coalition councillors who had not been arrested.

The scandal erupted last week when several Spanish media outlets broadcast a video of the deputy mayor allegedly accepting a 5'000 euro bribe from property developers.