BARRIE Grunewald has stepped down as leader of St Helens Council following allegations of a possible data breach, the Star can reveal.

Cllr Grunewald stepped down as leader of the Labour-run council at a late-night meeting on Tuesday evening.

Merseyside Police confirmed that it has launched an investigation.

A police spokesman said: “We can confirm that we’re investigating an allegation of a possible data breach reported involving St Helens councillors.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish whether any criminal activities have taken place.”

Cllr Grunewald has told the Star that he has stepped down to allow the police to carry out its investigation but hopes to return to the role in the future. However, this would require him to take part and win a leadership contest.

He said: “With all that’s going on at the moment with the allegations against certain members of my group, I believe that spurious allegations have been levelled at me.

“So to protect the council and party that I have given so much to, it’s with a heavy heart that I step down temporarily as the police carry out their investigation.

“I have had letters and text messages to my phone, so I hope they can trace the individual and I urge the police to carry out their investigations quickly and will provide them with the letters and text messages that have been sent to me.

“I hope this is quick as I want to return.”

Mike Palin, chief executive of council, said the reason for the resignation is not related to the “operational functioning of the council”.

“Cllr Grunewald has resigned as leader of the council,” Mr Palin said.

“Council is required to have a leader and the process of appointing a new leader will now take place.

“The reason for Cllr Grunewald’s resignation does not relate to operational functioning of the council.”

A Labour spokesman claimed Cllr Grunewald stepped down to allow an investigation to take place.

It is understood the investigation relates to allegations over how images from group WhatsApp conversations involving several St Helens Labour politicians were obtained from a mobile phone and then distributed.

“Barrie Grunewald has stepped aside from his position as leader of St Helens Council to allow a police investigation to take place,” the Labour spokesman said.

The spokesman also confirmed that Cllr Grunewald has been suspended from the Labour Party.