Shamed Lib-Dem quits Liverpool council ruling executive board

Dec 3 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

hurst 200

A SHAMED Liberal Democrat councillor last night resigned his position on Liverpool council’s ruling executive board after being convicted of breaking election law.

Steve Hurst, who is to appeal his conviction, has relinquished his position as executive member for corporate services to work to clear his name.

Last night Cllr Hurst, who is also a firefighter, said he was shocked by the judgement and had instructed his legal team to lodge an appeal on his behalf.

The Daily Post understands that if Cllr Hurst does not overturn his conviction he will not face dismissal from his employer Merseyside Fire and Rescue but could be given a “tough sanction” possibly in the form of a final written warning. He is, however, facing a Standards Board for England investigation which could result in his barring from public office.

Despite his resignation from his executive board position for which he was paid around £13,000, Cllr Hurst was still facing calls to resign as councillor for Wavertree, for which he receives an allowance of £9,900.

Wavertree Labour MP Jane Kennedy said: “He is not fit to represent the people of Wavertree ward, his behaviour was beyond the pale.”

Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson, Liberal leader Cllr Steve Radford, and Green leader Cllr John Coyne last night co-wrote a letter to Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg calling for the national party to investigate the matter.

On Monday Cllr Hurst was convicted of delivering a leaflet titled “Walton Scab,” attacking sitting Labour councillor Pauline Walton and her firefighter husband Keith.

Cllr Anderson said the Labour party was considering taking out a libel action against Cllr Hurst on behalf of the Waltons.