Council leader steps down amid police investigation into data breaches

The leader of St Helens Council has stepped down from his role amid a police investigation into alleged data breaches.

Barrie Grunewald, the Labour leader of the council, stepped down at a late night meeting.

Merseyside Police has since confirmed that it is investigating a data breach believed to involve Whatsapp messages.

A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that we’re investigating an allegation of a possible data breach reported involving St Helens Councillors.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any criminal activities have taken place.”

Mike Palin, the chief executive of council, said the reason for the resignation is not related to the “operational functioning of the council”.

“Cllr Grunewald has resigned as leader of the council,” Mr Palin said.

“Council is required to have a leader and the process of appointing a new leader will now take place.

“The reason for Cllr Grunewald’s resignation does not relate to operational functioning of the council.”

Cllr Grunewald spoke to the Liverpool Echo about his resignation.

He said: “I have said with all that is going on at the moment with the allegations against certain members of my group, I believe that spurious allegations have been levelled at me.

“So to protect the council and party that I have given so much to it is with a heavy heart that I step down temporally as the police carry out their investigation.”

Two years ago the councillor fell seriously ill on holiday in Spain and was placed on a life support machine.

And last summer he was the victim of a serious crime when he was tied up and robbed in his own home.