LABOUR has ordered several councillors to apologise after an internal inquiry into allegations that private WhatsApp conversations were leaked, it can be revealed.

According to Labour sources, the North West arm of the party launched an inquiry in 2018 into the behaviour of St Helens councillors Barrie Grunewald, John Fulham, Paul Pritchard, Richard McCauley and Martin Bond.

It is understood the investigation centred on the content and alleged leaking of private WhatsApp conversations, which culminated in the resignation of Cllr Grunewald as leader of the council last April.

Cllr Grunewald’s resignation came as Merseyside Police launched an investigation into an allegation of a possible data breach involving St Helens councillors.

The allegations related to how screenshots from group WhatsApp conversations involving Labour councillors Pritchard, McCauley and Bond were obtained from a mobile phone and then distributed during the run-up to the local elections.

A number of divisions had formed within the Labour group in the months leading up to the incident, particularly among backbench councillors.

It is understood Cllr Fulham obtained screenshots of the private WhatsApp group, which contained derogatory comments from backbench councillors about other Labour members, including the then leader of the council.

According to sources, Cllr Fulham, who was a cabinet member at the time, passed these screenshots to Cllr Grunewald, who then arranged for hard copies to be distributed to Labour councillors’ pigeon holes.

It is understood that Merseyside Police was then notified of a possible data breach by council chiefs.

During the police investigation, Cllr Grunewald was also suspended from the Labour Party, although he remained a ward councillor for Rainhill.

In June, Cllr Grunewald was informed by Merseyside Police that no charges would be brought against him, and his suspension was subsequently lifted by the Labour Party.

At the time Cllr Grunewald said “spurious allegations” had been levelled against him. He said he felt people had a right to know what others had said about them.

However, the following month, deputy regional director Andy Smith told members at a group meeting that he had asked the party’s regional board to launch an internal inquiry into the behaviour of councillors.

Mr Smith said St Helens “probably” had the worst record in the region regarding complaints about councillors, adding that Labour receives complaints about councillors on a “regular basis”.

It is understood Labour’s investigation finally reached its conclusion last month, with Labour members ordered to write a letter of apology.

Cllr Pritchard, Cllr McCauley and Cllr Bond’s involvement related to the remarks made on WhatsApp. The involvement of Cllr Fulham and Cllr Grunewald related to the screenshots.

There is no suggestion the councillors broke the law or breached the code of conduct for councillors.

However, it is understood Labour officials were unhappy with the behaviour, which has led to instructions that they issue apologies.

Cllr Grunewald, Cllr Fulham, Cllr Pritchard, Cllr McCauley and Cllr Bond all declined to comment.

A spokesman for Labour North West said it “does not comment on internal matters”.