Two married Wolverhampton councillors accused of holding paid group sex sessions at their city home should resign or face the standards committee, it was demanded today.

Also see: Councillors suspended after claims

Labour leader Roger Lawrence, who was in charge of the council for six years until May, said councillors David and Carol Bourne were bringing the authority “into disrepute” by refusing to stand down despite the allegations.

Both have left the Tory party after claims were made about their private life.

As the Express & Star reported this week, the duo of Telford Gardens, Merry Hill, intend to stay on as independents.

The decision means they can still each claim £8,740 a year in allowances, and only have to attend one meeting every six months to stay on the authority.

Councillor Lawrence said today he was prepared to refer the matter to the standards board unless they quit.

“Councillors David and Carol Bourne should resign immediately,” he said.

“I believe they have brought the council and the city into disrepute and should resign from the council to allow by-elections to take place in Wednesfield North and South.

“My telephone has been red hot with calls from Wednesfield residents expressing a wish to elect new councillors.

“I am seeking advice about what steps to take to facilitate this, but would not rule out a reference to the standards committee.”

The duo have refused to comment on the allegations since Monday, when Councillor David Bourne would only say: “People can criticise me all they want – I don’t care.”

The couple are said to have been offering sex for up to £150 after placing an advert in an adult magazine using the same contact number as was on their political website.

Councillor David Bourne represents Wednesfield North while his wife represents Wednesfield South.

By Tom Edwards