TWO separate investigations are to take place into the conduct of Gary Verity, former boss of Welcome to Yorkshire, who quit the organisation last month.

One will look into concerns around his expenses and the other into his behaviour since his appointment in 2008.

The Board of Welcome to Yorkshire said that two external, independent organisations will be appointed to carry out these investigations.

In a statement released this afternoon, Welcome to Yorkshire said that its policies, procedures and governance will be assessed, and where required, recommendations for improvements will be made. 

Board Member Deborah Egan OBE said: "Welcome to Yorkshire is a responsible organisation which has a duty to be transparent and accountable.

"As soon as the independent organisations have been appointed, anyone who believes they have been affected by these issues will be invited to come forward.

"They will be fully supported, and all accounts will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

The Board added that the findings of these investigations, which it said will be completed in a thorough and timely manner, will be made public. 

It has also written to West Yorkshire Police to inform them of the investigations.

The Board's announcement follows calls by peer and former Sheffield Council leader Lord Scriven for there to be a police investigation into Sir Gary's expense claims.