Doubts raised over Labour PCC hopeful Yvonne Mosquito

The former Birmingham Mayor served as number two to current PCC David Jamieson until May 2016, when she left the role after she was found guilty of serious misconduct following claims she had interfered in a police murder probe.

She is one of four Labour candidates selected to fight for the nomination for next year's election by a panel headed by Leicester MP Keith Vaz.

But questions have been raised over her suitability for the role, after it emerged she was the subject of a separate investigation involving potential misconduct at the time she left office.

Details of the probe are contained in letter from Mr Jamieson to Labour's general secretary Jennie Formby, which was shown to the E&S by a source close to the party's ruling National Executive Committee.

In the letter, the PCC questions whether the selection panel had been made aware of issues relating to Ms Mosquito's time as deputy.

He says that an open investigation "currently lies on file" involving an allegation of Ms Mosquito "trying to influence the progress of a police investigation and non-disclosure of a pecuniary interest".

The "pecuniary interest" is detailed in a letter from May 2016, and is thought to refer to free legal services allegedly received by Ms Mosquito that it is claimed she failed to declare.

Mr Jamieson, who is retiring next year, said the probe was suspended when she left her role, adding: "I am advised it would likely be re-opened if her status changed".

He concluded: "In my over 50 years membership of the Labour Party I have never had to disclose information of this type in regards to anyone else, and do not imagine having to do so in the future."

All members of the PCCs office are strictly prohibited from interfering in operational matters.

The selection process for candidates has been mired in controversy, with some party members questioning the involvement of Mr Vaz.

It has also been branded a "stitch up" after former Assistant PCC Lynnette Kelly failed to make the shortlist.

Senior NEC members are already believed to have contacted Ms Formby calling for "due diligence" to be carried out before candidates are formally accepted.

Ms Mosquito stepped down as deputy PCC after it was claimed she could have derailed a murder investigation by visiting the family of teenage victim Kenichi Phillips.

Her supporters said she had gone there to pray with the family, and she eventually received a payout after a tribunal.

West Midlands Labour has insisted that the shortlisting process for candidates was handled in a "rigorous, robust, transparent and fair way, in accordance with party rules and with proper consideration given to promoting equal opportunities".

The other candidates are former MP Mike O'Brien, solicitor Simon Foster and former Sandwell Council assistant chief executive Melanie Dudley.

Ms Mosquito's office has been approached for a comment.