Scandal-hit Methodist minister and former Co-operative Bank chairman Paul Flowers was forced to resign from Bradford Council when pornographic material was found on his work laptop, it has been revealed.

Bradford Council stated today that the Rev Flowers stepped down as the Labour councillor for Great Horton in September 2011 after adult material, described as “inappropriate but not illegal”, was found on his computer by IT staff.

A statement released by the Council today said: “Inappropriate but not illegal adult content was found on a Council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately.”


The latest revelations emerged after Mr Flowers, a Methodist minister who chaired the Co-operative Bank for three years from 2010, was exposed allegedly buying and using illegal drugs in a newspaper sting at the weekend.

He left the Council having served on it for almost a decade, citing personal reasons and increased responsibilities at the Co-operative Banking Group.

The latest news will heap further embarrassment on the Co-operative Group, whose long-standing chairman Len Wardle announced today he was resigning with immediate effect after he admitted "serious questions" were raised by the drugs scandal.

Mr Wardle, who has held the position since 2007, announced last month that he was due to leave next May but he said it was now right for him to go straight away, having led the board that appointed Mr Flowers.