Co-op Bank ex-boss ‘purchased crystal meth and crack cocaine’

Methodist minister the Rev
Paul Flowers – a former Labour councillor in Bradford – yesterday apologised “to all I have hurt or failed by my actions” after a newspaper reported he bought and used crystal meth, crack cocaine and ketamine.

The Mail on Sunday said he was filmed earlier this month buying drugs just days after he was grilled by the Treasury Select Committee over the bank’s disastrous performance.

Mr Flowers, 63, who left the Co-op in June this year, said in a statement: “This year has been incredibly difficult, with a death in the family and the pressures of my role with the Co-operative Bank.

“At the lowest point in this terrible period, I did things that were stupid and wrong.

“I am sorry for this and I am seeking professional help, and apologise to all I have hurt or failed by my actions.”

A Methodist Church spokesman said: “We expect high standards of our ministers and we have procedures in place for when ministers fail to meet those standards.

“Paul is suspended from duties for a period of three weeks, pending investigations, and will not be available to carry out any ministerial work. We will also work with the police if they feel a crime has been committed.”

The newspaper said that Mr Flowers is seen in a video in his car discussing the cocaine and crystal meth he wants from a dealer in Leeds. He reportedly counts out £300 and sends a friend to make the deal.

The video and a series of text messages were handed to the newspaper by an acquaintance who was “disgusted by his hypocrisy”.

Mr Flowers formerly chaired drugs charity Lifeline and is a trustee of the Terrence Higgins Trust.

A Yorkshire Methodist spokesman said: “We do not have any detailed information on the truth or falsehood of these allegations.”