Express & Star

Former Wolverhampton councillor back in top Tory role after brothel allegations

Published

A former Tory councillor who quit over allegations that he ran a brothel from his Wolverhampton home has been elected into one of the city Conservative Party's top posts.

David Bourne has been elected as the 'deputy political' of the city's Conservative Federation (WCF) following a members vote earlier this month, with responsibility for drafting group policy and candidate selection.

The former councillor for Wednesfield quit the party in September 2008 following allegations that he and his late wife Carol, also then a city councillor, had hosted paid group sex sessions at their Merry Hill home.

It marks the latest point of controversy to hit the party in Wolverhampton, which is under investigation for failing to declare its accounts for the last two years.

When asked about the allegations Mr Bourne said: "That was a long time ago. People will make their own assumptions and that is up to them.

"Nobody has made any comments to me. If I can be of assistance to the Conservative Party, in terms of selecting candidates to either council or Parliament, then that is what I will do.

"I think the officers at the federation are determined to put all matters behind them and work to further the party in Wolverhampton."

Mr Bourne, a former school governor, has never admitted or denied the allegations. He has remained politically active and played a role for Vote Leave in the EU referendum.

But his election is said to have caused fury among senior Tories in the city.

One party insider told the Express & Star: "For a lot of people, (Mr) Bourne's election is a backward step and puts another stain on the party."

Mr Bourne was elected to his new role amid controversial circumstances at the party's AGM, which also saw former Wednesfield North council candidate Andy Randle voted in as chair.

Mr Randle was at the centre of an embarrassing episode for the party when he signed the nomination forms for both candidates who were selected to contest the Tettenhall Regis seat in May's local council elections.

It led to Councillor Arun Photay being suspended from the WCF, although he has since been reinstated after head office intervened.

A significant number of members were barred from voting in the AGM due to complications with their membership fees.

Mr Bourne was elected to his post unopposed after his fellow candidates dropped out of the running on the day of the election.

The AGM was originally cancelled in March, due to the failure of former treasurer Hazel Keirle to submit the city group's annual accounts to the regional office.

The issue led to the Wolverhampton Conservative Federation being reported to the Electoral Commission for failing to comply with electoral rules – the first time that a Tory association had ever been reported to the commission.

The accounts have still not been signed off.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.