Ex-council leader George Lord charged in sex inquiry

By-elections took place after Dr George Lord resigned

The former leader of Worcestershire County Council has been charged with sexual assault.

Dr George Lord, 78, resigned from his position and as a Conservative councillor last year after separate allegations were made.

He is accused of one count of sexual assault and eight counts of historic indecent assaults.

He has been released on police bail and is due before magistrates in Worcester on Tuesday.

A by-election for his seats on Bromsgrove District Council and the county council was held last December.

He became a councillor in 1997 and council leader in 2001, Worcestershire County Council said.