‘No investigation’ into Sir Gary Verity expenses say police

West Yorkshire Police have announced that they will not carry out an investigation into expenses claims made by the former chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire until independent investigations had been made.

Verity stood down from his role at the tourism organisation at the end of March over allegations relating to expenses claims made at Welcome to Yorkshire. He led the organisation since 2008, including during the Tour de France which was held in Yorkshire in 2014.

Welcome to Yorkshire announced earlier this month that it would already be undertaking two separate investigations into Sir Gary’s behaviour and conduct as well as his expenses claims during his time at the organisation.

He paid back £40,000 before resigning on health grounds last month.

According to the BBC though, he will not face a criminal investigation by the police at this time. West Yorkshire Police said it would await the findings of the independent investigations before taking any action.

The BBC reported that Lib Dem peer Lord Scriven, former leader of Sheffield City Council, said he was “astounded” by the force’s decision. He had written to the chief constable asking the force to investigate Sir Gary over the claims.

Despite holding back on immediate action, the police spokesperson did tell the BBC that evidence of criminal offences would be brought to their “immediate attention”.

Welcome to Yorkshire has received millions of pounds of taxpayer money to promote the region.

At the time, Sir Gary Verity, who was knighted in 2015 and appointed a deputy lieutenant last May, said: “Over the last ten and a half years I have always tried to set the highest standards of personal performance and leadership.

“Where this has been achieved, I am grateful and when, on occasions, I have fallen short, I apologise. My health is now my main priority. I ask for time and space to heal.”