THE boss of tourism organisation Welcome to Yorkshire has resigned from his position as chief executive after an investigation into his expenses.

Sir Gary Verity brought the Grand Depart of the Tour de France to Skipton in 2014 and helped create the Tour de Yorkshire which will be staged for a fifth time in May.

In a statement, the organisation said the 54-year-old had stepped down due to ill health, but added that “concerns have been raised in relation to his behaviour towards staff and his expenses”

Welcome to Yorkshire’s statement said: “The board has investigated (the allegations) and concluded that Sir Gary made errors of judgement regarding his expenses at a very difficult time for him and his family.

“Sir Gary has agreed to voluntarily reimburse Welcome to Yorkshire for monies owed.

“Welcome to Yorkshire is committed to having a positive working environment and would like to thank all our staff for their continued hard work and dedication and look forward to working with them as the organisation progresses.”

Mr Verity, who farms near Harrogate, lost his sister in January and had spoken publicly about how much her death had affected him.

Following the announcement of his resignation, Verity said: “Over the last 10 and a half years I have always tried to set the highest standards of personal performance and leadership.

“Where this has been achieved, I am grateful and when, on occasions, I have fallen short, I apologise. My health is now my main priority. I ask for time and space to heal.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such an inspirational organisation and work with such a creative and talented team.”

Mr Verity had held the role since October 2008, but rose to public prominence when he brought the world’s biggest cycling race to his home region in 2014 and was knighted a year later.

Gary Fielding, North Yorkshire County Council’s corporate director for strategic resources said: “Welcome to Yorkshire is an independent company and draws funding from a whole range of organisations and grant-making bodies, including Government, as well as local councils. When we contribute funding to other bodies we always look carefully to ensure we get positive outcomes for the local economy and our communities, such as the benefits gained from the Tour de Yorkshire.”