Shock as top member of Mayor's team resigns

It means he will no longer be involved with the stadium - the running of which is currently under investigation by the authority’s acting managing director Paul Hart.

Ian Spowart, who was appointed as political assistant to Doncaster’s Mayor Martin Winter two years ago, is believed to have handed in his resignation last week. He was unavailable for comment this morning.

His appointment to the board of the Stadium Management Company caused controversy as many councillors believed the post should go to an elected councillor rather than a paid officer.

Garth Oxby, leader of the Alliance of Independent Members, said: “This is a very interesting development. Mr Spowart was, and has been for some time, a very senior member of the mayor’s team.

“They were close personal friends and have been for a long time. Though of course we don’t know the reasons for Ian’s departure, it is certainly going to affect Mr Winter.

“As a group we have had grave concerns about his appointment to the board of the SMC. We have grave concerns about the stadium. The main one is that we don’t really know what’s going on there, particularly in regard to the financial situation, as there is no elected representative on the board.”

Lib Dem Coun Paul Coddington added: “This move has certainly come as a surprise.

“There has been conflict about the way Mr Spowart was put into his role at the SMC, as indeed there was about his appointment to a council position in the first place.

“Councillors have called a meeting, which takes place tomorrow, about the SMC appointment.”

No comment was available from Doncaster Council. Mayor Mr Winter is on holiday.

A stadium spokesman said it was yet to receive official notice of Mr Spowart’s departure.

The stadium is the home ground to Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Rugby League Club. Questions have been raised over its drinks licence and its finances.

Mr Spowart was a Doncaster councillor for Intake until he lost his seat in 2004. He was Mr Winter’s election agent when he was first elected as Mayor.