A MARATHON police investigation into three political figures has ended after a Bolton senior health chief retracted her statement.

Independent Wigan Councillor Bob Brierley and former elected representatives Peter Franzen and Robert Bleakley have all been told no further action is being taken against them after between 12 and 20 months under suspicion.

Allegations against the three men were brought by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust Chairman, Donna Hall, when she was chief executive at Wigan Council.

In a statement, Ms Hall withdrew her allegations, although she defended the accuracy of what she had told officers.

Former Wigan Council leader of the opposition Mr Franzen was investigated on suspicion of stalking following the police receiving a report of harassment while Cllr Brierley was arrested on suspicion of stalking, criminal damage and breaching data protection and Mr Bleakley faced accusations of stalking and criminal damage. All three robustly denied any wrongdoing.

A statement issued by GMP said: “A 60-year-old arrested on Friday, October 19, 2018 on suspicion of stalking, breaching data protection and criminal damage has been released with no further action.

“A 49-year-old man arrested on Friday, October 19, 2018 on suspicion of stalking and criminal damage has been released with no further action.

“A 71-year-old man arrested on Friday January 26 2018 on suspicion of stalking has been released with no further action.”

A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “The council notes the outcome of the investigation.”