THE new leader of St Helens Council has called on councillors to "work together" to take St Helens forwards.

The council appointed Cllr Derek Long as the new council leader following Barrie Grunewald’s resignation on Tuesday night amid allegations of a WhatsApp data breach involving St Helens councillors.

Cllr Long, who represents the West Park ward, will start the position with immediate effect after receiving a unanimous vote at Wednesday evening’s full council meeting in the town hall chamber.

The Labour councillor was previously cabinet member for Liverpool City Region engagement.

In his first speech as leader, Cllr Long said he hoped his colleagues could “work together” to take St Helens forwards.

He said: “These are difficult times generally working in government.

“I do not underestimate the importance of the task in front of us.

“I hope we can all work together in the spirit it takes to take St Helens forwards.

“When I open cabinet meetings I always make reference to the fact that we are stewards of 150 years of unbroken accountability looking after the people of St Helens and I’m sure we’re all committed to making sure that goes forward in the future as well.”

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

The Labour councillor said he stepped down to allow the police to carry out its investigation and hoped to return to the role in the future, although he would be required to take part in and win a leadership contest.

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

Cllr Grunewald has also been suspended by the Labour party.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside Police confirmed that it has launched an investigation.

“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.”