Mayor of Mirfield apologises to 'those he has let down' after being charged with drink-driving

Paul BlakeleyPaul Blakeley
Paul Blakeley
The Mayor of Mirfield has been suspended by the Conservative Party after being charged with drink-driving.

Coun Paul Blakeley was arrested on Friday night in Dalton and charged with driving while over the prescribed limit.

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He is due to appear before Kirklees Magistrates on March 2. He has been suspended by the Conservative Party pending an investigation.

In a statement Coun Blakeley said he accepted "full responsibility" for the charges he was facing, and was "seeking help for the issues surrounding this."

He said: "I do not expect any sympathy nor any understanding, as I am aware I have let a lot of people down, and can do nothing but apologise for this.

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"I am already seeking help for the issues surrounding this and hope with time I will become a better and stronger person.

"I hold my hands up and will gracefully take any consequences for my actions.

"I once again apologise to those I have let down, but I ask for some privacy whilst these matters are dealt with."