Deputy West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito suspended over murder probe 'interference'

Her supporters were today claiming Ms Mosquito, who denies wrongdoing, was suspended after it emerged she had visited Mr Phillips' family to pray with them

.

A source said: "Yvonne Mosquito has been suspended as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for visiting the grieving family of Kenichi Phillips in Landywood constituency.

"The visit was in a pastoral capacity and to pray with the family."

The Express & Star understands Ms Mosquito was suspended yesterday with immediate effect pending an internal investigation into gross misconduct.

Chief Executive of the Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Jardine said: "Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito has been suspended from her post with immediate effect. An internal investigation is under way into potential gross misconduct following concerns raised about interference into operational policing regarding an on-going serious investigation."

Ms Mosquito said this afternoon: "I can confirm I was suspended by the Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson and I strongly deny the allegations."

Ms Mosquito is also a Labour councillor for the Nechells ward on Birmingham City Council.She was born in Balsall Heath and first elected as a councillor to Birmingham City Council in 1996 and has served as an Executive Member of the Birmingham City Council Cabinet, chairman of the Labour Group and Deputy Chief Whip.

She has chaired several committees including: Birmingham City Council's People & Organisation Committee, the West Midlands Immigration Strategic Board, the Social Cultural & Health Board and the Birmingham Housing Benefit Review Board.

Ms Mosquito was formerly vice-chairman of West Midlands Police Authority, where she served on several committees, including as chairman of the personnel committee and vice-chairman of the equalities committee. She also represented West Midlands Police Authority at the national Association of Police Authorities.

She was appointed as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner by the first West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones who was a councillor in Wolverhampton.

When Mr Jones passed away in 2014, she was temporarily appointed as Acting Police and Crime Commissioner until David Jamieson was elected.