A PARTY boss today demanded the resignation of shamed mayor Peter Swainston from Burnley Council for "obnoxious" conduct.

Liberal Democrat chief Gordon Birtwistle said the former civic leader had betrayed the trust of the people and should not show his face in the council chamber again.

Swainston, a milkman, quit as mayor yesterday after admitting a charge of gross indecency with another man in public toilets in Victoria Park, Nelson. The town hall announcement came as Preston magistrates fined him £200 with £45 costs.

But a council spokesman confirmed the 48-year-old bachelor had not resigned as a member of the council he has served as a Labour member for over 20 years, adding: "That is a matter for him."

Coun Birtwistle said he was "horrified" by the scandal surrounding the mayor. "I shall be calling for his resignation from the council if he returns," he said.

"For the mayor of Burnley to do something so obnoxious in a public place where the public or young children could have walked in is beyond belief. "His conduct falls far below the standards of decency the public has a right to expect from the people who represent them and he must go."

Coun Birtwistle added: "I had admiration for him as mayor and the way he represented the people of his ward for many years and that view has not changed. But this conduct is unacceptable."

Elsewhere there was support for Coun Swainston as the shockwaves surrounding his resignation spread through the area.

Burnley MP Peter Pike, a long-time friend and former council colleague, said the situation was very unfortunate and Coun Swainston had been a first-class mayor.

On the resignation, he added: "I am certain Peter would always do what he felt was right.

"My sympathies are with him and his family at this very difficult time."

Labour council leader Kath Reade and Independent Harry Brooks both expressed sympathy for the ex-mayor's "personal tragedy."

And Coun Frank Clifford, the mayor in neighbouring Pendle, spoke of the man who had been a fine ambassador for Burnley.

He said: "I am absolutely shocked by the news. There was no-one more dedicated to the people of Burnley."

Last year's Burnley mayor, Coun Arthur Park, said: "I call on everyone to bring Christian charity and deep understanding to the situation and wish Coun Swainston well for the future."

Mayor-elect Coun Mrs Enid Tate added: "I am very surprised and extremely sorry the mayor has found himself in this situation."

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