Sex claim councillors David and Carol Bourne have resigned from Wolverhampton City Council, the Express & Star can reveal today.

The couple’s decision triggers two by-elections in Wednesfield North and South next month and could change the balance of power on the authority.

If the ruling Tory-Liberal Democrat alliance loses the seats to Labour, it would create a hung council as both would have 30 members.

David and Carole Bourne, aged 66 and 49 respectively, resigned from the Conservative Party following allegations they hosted paid group sex sessions at their home in Telford Gardens, Merry Hill.

They were initially carrying on as independents but today resigned from the council as well.

They have refused to discuss the allegations which emerged last week.

While gardening this afternoon, Mr Bourne confirmed they had resigned, saying: “You are correct. Thank you for calling. Now please leave my property.”