LONG-serving Tory councillor Fred Slater has been arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving.

Conservative Coun Slater, who represents the East Rural ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council, was stopped close to the Craven Heifer pub in Hoddlesden on Sunday.

Both Coun Slater, due to become deputy mayor next May, and the police today confirmed he took a breath test before undergoing a blood test at a police station.

Police are now waiting for the results of the blood test and have bailed Coun Slater, whose wife and son also sit on Blackburn with Darwen Council, until December 17.

A police spokesman said: "Mr Slater was stopped on Sunday and asked to take a breath test. This was then followed up with a blood test.

"He was arrested and bailed until later this month."

Coun Slater today said: "The blood test was done because the breath test was too close to call, so I don't know what will happen. I don't drink and drive, I get taxis."

His leader on Blackburn with Darwen Council, Colin Rigby, said: "I think it is a personal matter for him.

"It doesn't alter his ability to do his job as a councillor to me."

Coun Slater is due to become deputy mayor next May, meaning he would be mayor of the borough from May 2007.

He is one of the Conservative Party's longest-serving councillors, and kept his East Rural ward, which covers the area around Hoddlesden, with a comfortable majority in the 2004 local elections.

He beat his only rival, Labour candidate Bernard Matthews, by 609 votes to 185.

His area also recorded one of the largest turnouts -- 51 per cent.