Paul Carter, Reform UK councillor for the Bridgemary division on both Hampshire County Council and Gosport Borough Council, was declared bankrupt on September 1 after filing a petition himself.
The bankruptcy followed the closure of P&J’s Cash & Carry in Gosport, which he ran with his wife Jess Carter. The business shut down in August due to rising financial pressures.
Councillor Carter said: “Many businesses, especially small family run independents right across the country are closing due to increased National insurance, Minimum wage increase, utility bills and rents.
“One of our major suppliers ceased trading some months back and this had a knock of affect to our business model which hit our family business hard.
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