Labour representatives on Featherstone Town Council are behind the resolution asking him to stand down as mayor only, and for it to be heard and voted on in public at the next full council meeting on February 24.

Coun Bickerton was suspended from Wakefield Council until the end of his term of office in May after a tribunal ruled he bullied a Featherstone couple over the sale of their land, but he remains Mayor of Featherstone and a town councillor.

The resolution, sent to the council clerk this week, calls on Coun Bickerton to 'do the honourable thing and resign his position of mayor'.

In a statement Coun Margaret Isherwood said: "I, along with my Labour colleagues on Featherstone Town Council, am appalled that after all that has been reported in the papers over the past few weeks regarding Coun Bickerton, he still remains Mayor of Featherstone.

"He has been found guilty of bullying two Featherstone residents yet appears to show no remorse.

"Unfortunately the town council is unable to suspend him. This can only be done by the Standards Board of England and Wales, but we feel that by remaining in post he is bringing the town of Featherstone and the office of mayor into disrepute.

"We feel this is not fair on the town or its citizens and have therefore put a resolution forward. "

When contacted about the resolution Coun Bickerton said: "I would not pass any comment on it. I can't."

The Express also asked independent members of the town council if they would support the resolution.

Coun Kay Binnersley, also speaking for husband Coun Paul Binnersley, said: "I would have thought so. I've asked him to and think he should, but even if we had a vote of no confidence he doesn't have to resign.

"I think everybody would support it. I would have thought that was reasonable."

Coun Pauline Guy did not wish to comment.

Coun Bob Martindale said: "It's difficult for me to say anything until after I've seen the resolution and spoken to the other councillors."

Coun Dave Herrington said: "I've got no issues with Roy. He has said he's going to appeal (the tribunal decision] but in view of the nature of what's been alleged, it is in everybody's best interests that he should stand down as mayor."

Featherstone MP Jon Trickett has welcomed the resolution.

He said: "People who live in the town are incredibly proud to come from Featherstone and regard its good reputation as of the highest importance.

"Very many people have been in touch with my office to say that they don't want Featherstone's good name to be damaged.

"It is not my style to criticise people personally, but reluctantly I have come to the view that the best way is to make a fresh start with a new mayor."

l A RESPONSE to last week's Express calling for answers as to why the town council has been mysteriously closed for weeks has been received.