A CONTROVERSIAL politician under investigation by the police is to quit as a borough councillor at next month’s local elections.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who stood aside from his duties as Mayor of Hyndburn after allegations of sexual offences, will not contest his St Andrew’s ward in Oswaldtwistle on May 3. His 23-year-old daughter Sara will fight the seat.

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones described the former Tory leader of its borough council as ‘a formidable political adversary’. The 67-year-old’s successor as leader of Hyndburn Conservative group Cllr Tony Dobson said he had given ‘great service’ to the borough and Oswaldtwistle.

Cllr Britcliffe,a former primary school teacher, stood aside from mayoral duties other than hosting the civic charity ball in February after three men made allegations of sexual assault. Police confirmed yesterday that there were now four complainants, that enquiries were continuing and that ‘a 67-year-old man from Hyndburn’ had been interviewed but not arrested as a result.

Cllr Britcliffe posted news of his retirement as St Andrew’s ward councillor after 34 years on Facebook saying his decision was taken 12 months ago, before the allegations. The father-of-three told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I have held every position of importance on Hyndburn council and decided now was the time to concentrate on my heavy workload at Lancashire County Council where I am chairman of the Conservative Group and the Health Scrutiny Committee.

“I shall fight to clear my name from these allegations. Sara has always been interested in politics and joined the Conservative Party when she was 18. She would make a cracking councillor. The highlight of my time on the council was the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee visit in 2012.

“The low point goes without staying, having to stand aside from my mayoral duties because of the police investigation. My most formidable adversary was Graham Jones when he led the Labour opposition when I was borough leader.”

Cllr Britcliffe, who will remain as County Councillor for Oswaldtwistle, gave his full support to his daughter praising her as ‘a determined young woman who has done a great job as Mayoress of Hyndburn and who would work very hard in the role of councillor’.

Cllr Dobson said: “I am very sorry Peter has decided to stand down. He has given great service to Hyndburn and St Andrew’s ward and will continue to do so as county councillor for Oswaldtwistle.”

Mr Jones said: “Peter faces a very serious situation and I understand his decision.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Inquiries are on-going. I can confirm we are investigating four complaints.”