WIRRAL councillor Stephen Foulkes (pictured) has resigned from Merseyside Police Authority following the controversy surrounding the appointment of Merseyside's new Chief Constable, Norman Bettison. The Labour councillor was not a member of the appointment panel.
Controversy has surrounded the appointment since it was revealed Mr Bettison was part of a South Yorkshire Police unit set up in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster.
Merseyside MP Maria Eagle, twin sister of Wallasey's Angela Eagle, is critical of the appointment.
Wirral's other council representative on the police authority, Conservative councillor Kate Wood, said after the appointment that Mr Bettison was qualified for the job. A change of mind could prove costly in terms of compensation, she added.
However, in resigning, Coun Foulkes says: "I believe I am doing the right thing by the people of Merseyside. I call upon Norman Bettison, even at this 11th hour, to do the right thing and not take up his appointment."
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