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A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: “We understand an appeal is being considered and so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage, but we understand that Cllr Hurst has been an extremely hard-working local councillor for his constituents.”
Last night, council leader Warren Bradley declined to comment due to Cllr Hurst’s appeal. Cllr Hurst announced his resignation from the executive board through an e-mail sent on his behalf by Cllr Bradley to Liberal Democrats and council officials.
It stated: “Following the decision yesterday at Liverpool Magistrates Court, regarding a breach of the Representations of the Peoples Act, “I wish to state publicly I am totally shocked by this judgment. I have today instructed my legal team to lodge an appeal on my behalf.
“While the appeals process is being carried out, I have informed Warren Bradley, the leader of the council, that I wish to stand down from my role as executive member for corporate performance.
“This will enable me to spend more time working to clear my name.
“I will not be making any further comment at this time as this whole episode has put an horrendous strain on my wife, children and myself.”
In sentencing, District Judge Richard Clancy said he had “no doubt” Cllr Hurst pushed the “Walton Scab” flier through letterboxes in Liverpool’s Woodlands Estate in May 2007.
The leaflet did not include the name and address of the printer and publisher, which is against the law, and Cllr Hurst was fined £500 and ordered to pay £790 costs as well as a £15 victim surcharge.
