The chairman of Bradford Council’s health scrutiny committee has demanded answers from the man who runs Bradford Royal Infirmary about the chain of events that led to the death of a former Lord Mayor of Bradford.

Councillor Mike Gibbons, intends to meet Bryan Millar, chief executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, this week after friends and family of Stanley King highlighted their grave concerns about his treatment.

Mr King, 80, died in BRI on October 7. Doctors initially diagnosed indigestion but Mr King’s friends say they understand he suffered a burst appendix and subsequent peritonitis, which they say could have been prevented if he had received an accurate diagnosis earlier.

It is claimed the former councillor, who served the Heaton ward on Bradford Council for nearly 40 years, was left on a trolley at BRI for up to 12 hours while waiting for a CT scan and treatment. Bradford Coroner Peter Straker has opened an inquest into Mr King’s death and ordered a full investigation to be held.

Mr King’s family also say that the original death certificate has been rescinded pending the results of the probe and the findings of the reconvened inquest.

Coun Gibbons (Con, Ilkley) said: “I shall be seeking a fuller understanding of what happened and reassurance that the alleged treatment of Mr King is not indicative of patient experiences within the district.

“In this day and age I find it difficult to understand and comprehend the experiences he must have undergone and would not wish that for anyone.

“He was a great man. He was a fine man of integrity.

“This is not the way I would wish for him to end his days and this must be distressing for his family and all those who knew him.”

The hospitals trust has expressed its sympathies to Mr King’s family and friends but said it would be “inappropriate” to comment about his treatment as the inquest proceedings have yet to be concluded.