Suspension call over city council defector

Ben Curran, who was elected as a Liberal Democrat in May in the city's Walkley ward, announced he was joining Sheffield Council's Labour group after becoming "disillusioned".

It is now alleged Coun Curran downloaded "confidential information" from a Liberal Democrat party database of voters held at the offices of deputy prime minister and city MP Nick Clegg before making the switch.

Yesterday the Liberal Democrat leader of Sheffield Council, Paul Scriven, whose grip on power has been weakened by the defection, said Labour leaders should act.

He added: "Today I have written to the leader of the Labour group to ask that Coun Ben Curran is suspended from their group until the conclusion of the police investigation.

"In view of the circumstances I think this is the very least Labour should do to indicate they understand the seriousness of the situation."

Coun Curran's defection means the Liberal Democrats remain the largest party on the authority with 41 members, but his move significantly undermines their grip on power.

The Labour group now has 39 members meaning that they could defeat the ruling group with the support of the authority's two Green councillors and one Independent.

Last night a South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "The force has received allegations regarding theft of confidential data from Sheffield Council. Officers will carry out inquiries to establish the circumstances of these allegations."