A FORMER council leader has called for the resignation of the Independent councillor whose agent reported him to police for alleged breach of electoral law.

George Slynn spoke out after the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to charge him over the May elections in Netherton ward, Great Harwood, when he lost his seat to Adrian Shurmer.

Mr Shurmer's agent claimed Mr Slynn had handed out leaflets about a clean-up scheme, which breached the Representation of the People Act 1983 because they did not contain a printer's name and address.

Mr Slynn's agent argued they were handed out on behalf of the council and were not election material.

A spokesman for the CPS said: "We have considered the case and decided that a prosecution was not merited."

Mr Slynn, who is a Lancashire county councillor for Great Harwood, said: "I welcome the thorough investigation that has been undertaken. I have always remained confident that the Crown Prosecution Service would see Coun Shurmer's complaint for what it was.

"Over the past few months Coun Shurmer has made himself look increasingly foolish

"People have already started to ask serious questions about Coun Shurmer's credibility.

"I suggest that he considers most seriously the advice given to him by the public at this month's development services meeting to resign immediately."

Coun Shurmer said: "I accept the decision by the CPS and I welcome the fact that an investigation was carried out.

"I like to think I am standing up for honesty and integrity, and I will always stand up for what I believe is right.

"The complaint was not a case of sour grapes, and I will not be resigning."

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