UNDER-FIRE Mayor of Warrington Cllr Les Morgan has resigned after posting 'shameful' comments about Warrington Wolves players Toby and George King.

Cllr Morgan (LAB – Latchford West) expressed his views in The Wire Barmy Army (Warrington Wolves) group on Facebook following the club's loss to Hull FC on Friday.

The comments came in response to a post, which asked members: "Who is worse, Toby or George King? You decide?"

It sparked a controversial reaction from Cllr Morgan, who said 'it's a pity that their parents ever met' and 'they remind me of their Chinese counterparts FU and WAN'.

The words have been strongly criticised by some group members, with one labelling them as 'absolutely shameful'.

Warrington Guardian:

On Monday, Warrington's 134th mayor issued an apology and admitted 'it was a silly thing to do'.

He also said he was prepared to meet the King brothers 'to show how sincere the apology is'.

But the 'first citizen' of the borough has faced a public backlash, with many calling for him to step down.

And late last night, Tuesday, he told the Warrington Guardian that he has resigned.

The apology on Monday was the third public apology of his mayoral year.

It came after he called for Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans to donate part of his salary to the town's 'more needy' and following criticism for his actions while accepting a petition from a four-year-old boy.

When Cllr Morgan was sworn into office at the Town Hall last May, he said he would like to be known as 'the mayor that cares'.

Warrington Guardian:

His mayoral year has featured a number of highs and lows.

Despite being marred by controversy, he has raised vital funds for his selected charities and set a world record in January by visiting 18 schools in one day.

Warrington Guardian:

A Warrington Borough Council spokesman said: "We can confirm that Cllr Les Morgan has today resigned from his position as Mayor of Warrington, with immediate effect.

"He will continue in his role as councillor for Latchford West."

Last year, Labour MP Faisal Rashid stepped down as mayor, shortly before his tenure was due to end, after he was selected to fight for the Warrington South seat ahead of his shock election win.

But the council said it is unaware of any other terms that have ended early.

Deputy mayor Cllr Karen Mundry will continue as deputy until the full council meeting on May 21, when she will be sworn into office.

Although there won't be a mayor until May 21, Cllr Mundry (LAB – Latchford East) will carry out the required mayoral duties.