THE leader of Wirral Council has written to Tory group bosses demanding answers over allegations made against a Conservative councillor standing in Merseyside's police commissioner elections.

Press reports today claim Greasby and Irby councillor David Burgess-Joyce was "sacked" by his former employers the former Serious and Organised Crime Agency.

The Conservative group tonight made clear they are standing by their man.

A spokesman said: “The Conservatives will continue to back Mr Burgess Joyce, who has many years of experience working across the force and will make an excellent police and crime commissioner in Merseyside."

According to the Liverpool Echo Cllr Burgess-Joyce was "dismissed for gross misconduct."

The claim is reported as coming in a statement from Soca's successor organisation the National Crime Agency.

Councillor Burgess-Joyce denied allegations of any wrongdoing and said he was not sacked but retired from the force due to health reasons.

However, a letter sent by council leader Cllr Phil Davies to Tory group boss Cllr Geoff Green presses the point: "I have just read an article in the Liverpool Echo regarding Councillor David Burgess-Joyce.

"I am sure you will agree it's essential for elected members to uphold the highest ethical standards.

"I believe the Echo article raises some important questions.

"Did Wirral Conservatives know about Cllr Burgess-Joyce's history when they selected him last year for council candidate in Greasby, Frankby and Irby?

"Did Wirral Conservatives know about Cllr Burgess-Joyce's history when they selected him as candidate for this year's police and crime commissioner elections?

"What are the circumstances that lead to Cllr Burgess-Joyce being dismissed for misconduct, as confirmed by the National Crime Agency?"

The letter goes on: "In light of these revelations, do Wirral Conservatives still consider Cllr Burgess-Joyce a suitable candidate for office, and as leader of the Conservative group on Wirral Council will you be backing him or sacking him?

"In the interests of openness and transparency I believe it is essential for the Conservative Party to respond to these questions as a matter of urgency.

"I look forward to your response."

Councillor Burgess-Joyce was chief officer of Merseyside Police Special Constabulary.

He served as a special constable from 1982 and rose through the ranks to be apponited chief in 2011.

In a statement tonight he said: “I did leave employment with SOCA on October 4, when my contract was terminated, the day before it became the NCA, but totally refute any allegations of untoward expenses claims on my part during my time working with the agency.

"I can confirm that I have no criminal record, have never been arrested or investigated by police or HMRC and retired from the Merseyside Police Special Constabulary in February 2014 due to health reasons."