Tory to back Labour move over deputy

Coun Paul Robinson was appointed Deputy Commissioner of Humberside Police last month but has faced a barrage of criticism after refusing to give up his seat on East Riding Council.

The Humberside Police and Crime Panel voted eight to one to reject his appointment, but were overruled by Commissioner Matthew Grove.

Panel chairman and fellow East Riding Tory councillor David Rudd has now said he will support a motion from a Labour member going before the authority tomorrow, which calls the deputy’s role “incompatible” with that of councillor.

Coun Rudd said: “There is only one conclusion in my view, and that is for him to resign as a councillor of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. I therefore regret to say that I will be supporting this motion by Coun (Paul) Hogan, and would suggest that my colleagues do also.”

Coun Robinson declined to comment last night.

However, a member of the authority who did not want to be named, said: “What Coun Rudd is saying is only those without a job can be a councillor. He’s got to be very careful. That means the council will only consist of retired people or those with another source of income.”