Hull Council Leader resigns from Welcome to Yorkshire

A leading councillor has resigned as a director of Welcome to Yorkshire in the wake of the departure of Sir Gary Verity.

Cllr Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council, said he was "kept in the dark" about the developments involving the chief executive.

Sir Gary left Welcome to Yorkshire on health grounds. The organisation said there were also "concerns about his behaviour towards staff and his expenses.''

Councillor Brady said: "I knew nothing about it at all until it was in the media.

"As far as I'm concerned, as a director, I should've known. I told them I did not find it acceptable."

He confirmed to ITV Calendar that he had resigned as a director. Councillor Brady had only been appointed to the board five months ago.

Welcome to Yorkshire have said that there will be two independent investigations which will take place into the behaviour and expenses concerns during Sir Gary Verity’s tenure as Chief Executive.

In a statement they said:

"Two external, independent organisations will be appointed to carry out these investigations. One will look into concerns around expenses and the other into behaviour, since Sir Gary’s appointment in 2008.

"As part of both of these, Welcome to Yorkshire’s policies, procedures and governance will be assessed, and where required, recommendations for improvements will be made."

Councillor Brady's resignation comes just days after the tourism body's 10th anniversary celebrations.

Calls have been made from a Lib Dem peer for a full police investigation into the former Chief Executive's expenses.

The Board has written to West Yorkshire Police to inform them of their investigations.

West Yorkshire Police say they have received a notification.

A police statement said: "At this time it is not clear if any criminal offences have been committed, and for this reason we are seeking to meet representatives from Welcome to Yorkshire at the earliest opportunity to discuss the matter further."