SIR Gary Verity was given a final written warning and told to attend a ‘behavioural management counselling’ course after allegations were made about his behaviour in 2014 and 2016, Welcome to Yorkshire has revealed.

The tourism organisation announced last Friday that its chief executive had resigned on health grounds.

It also said that although not directly linked to his resignation, concerns had been raised about his behaviour towards staff and his expenses, and the board had investigated and concluded he made errors of judgement over expenses at a very difficult time. It said Sir Gary had agreed to voluntarily reimburse it for "monies owed".

The Sunday Times subsequently claimed Sir Gary had resigned after it had presented Welcome to Yorkshire with evidence about alleged "bullying" behaviour and expense claims, and said there had been "years of concerns" about them.

Now the organisation has given The Press a fresh statement about his departure, saying: "We can confirm that there were previous allegations with regards to Sir Gary Verity’s behaviour in 2014 and 2016. The board took the appropriate disciplinary action on both occasions including a final written warning, which expired in December 2017, and that he attend behavioural management counselling.

“We are now in the process of having our expense policies and procedures independently reviewed.

“Welcome to Yorkshire has a talented, creative and dedicated team who everyday work incredibly hard for Yorkshire, alongside all of our members and public and private sector partners.

“We are proud to have been a part of the transformation of this county’s profile over the last 10 years and want to make sure Yorkshire continues to thrive."

Sir Gary said last Friday that over the last 10 and a half years, he had "always tried to set the highest standards of personal performance and leadership", adding: “Where this has been achieved, I am grateful and when, on occasions, I have fallen short, I apologise.”

His lawyer, Julian Pike, said yesterday that all expenses under question had been repaid in full and that one written warning had been issued in 2016.