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{{About|former local councillor and ordained Methodist minister|the footballer|Paul Flowers (footballer)}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2013}} {{Use British English|date=November 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
|name = Paul Flowers |name = Paul Flowers
|alias = The Crystal Methodist
|birth_name = Paul John Flowers
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|06|05|df=yes}} |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|06|05|df=yes}}
|birth_place = ], ], <br />England, UK |birth_place = ], ], <br />England
|death_date = |death_date =
|death_place = |death_place =
|years_active =1975–present |years_active =1975–present
|occupation=Retired |occupation=Retired
|title=],<br /> ] (2009–13) |title=],<br /> ] (2009–13)
|organization=] |organization=]
}} }}
'''Paul Flowers''' {{post-nominals|country=GBR|FRSA|FRGS}}<ref name=BizWekBio/> (born 5 June 1950)<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers says 'I have sinned'|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26734513|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The bumbling bank boss with meth in his madness '''Paul John Flowers''' {{post-nominals|country=GBR|FRSA|FRGS}}<ref name=BizWekBio/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmtreasy/writev/verde/pv09.pdf|title=Curriculum Vitae: The Reverend Paul John Flowers|website=parliament.uk|date=October 2013|access-date=19 May 2023}}</ref> (born 5 June 1950)<ref>{{cite news|title=Former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers says 'I have sinned'|date=25 March 2014|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26734513|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The bumbling bank boss with meth in his madness
|publisher=Financial Times |publisher=Financial Times
|first=Jonathan |last=Guthrie |first1=Jonathan |last1=Guthrie
|first2=Andrew |last2=Bounds |first2=Andrew |last2=Bounds
|date=22 November 2013 |date=22 November 2013
|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4fd22de6-5364-11e3-9250-00144feabdc0.html |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4fd22de6-5364-11e3-9250-00144feabdc0.html
|accessdate=23 November 2013}}</ref> is an ] local politician and ordained ] minister, currently suspended indefinitely by the church. He is a former ] councillor in ], and was ] ] of ].<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref name=TelgProfile/> |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref> is an ] businessman and former ] minister. He is a former ] councillor in ] and ], and was ] of ].<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref name=TelgProfile>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/business-news-markets-live/10455159/Profile-Rev.-Paul-Flowers.html|title=Profile: Rev, Paul Flowers|first1=Rebecca|last1= Burn-Callander |first2=James |last2=Quinn|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|date=17 November 2013|access-date=19 November 2013}}</ref>


After the bank lost £700m in the first half of 2013, and a £1.5 billion hole in the bank's finances was discovered by the new ] ] in May 2013, Flowers resigned in May 2013.<ref name="then_Time">{{Cite web |title=Timeline: What's been happening at the Co-operative Bank? |author=Murray, Anthony |work=Co-operative News |date=4 July 2013 |access-date=17 March 2019 |url= https://www.thenews.coop/39715/sector/banking-and-insurance/timeline-whats-been-happening-co-operative-bank/ }}</ref>
⚫ In 2013, the activities of Flowers, who had occupied a variety of powerful political and business posts and had been appointed by Labour leader ] to a senior post in 2010, were widely reported in the media. Flowers was filmed by an acquaintance in his car apparently agreeing to buy ] and ], and appearing to count large sums of money while discussing his use of a range of other non-medicinal drugs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2508464/Crystal-meth-shame-Co-op-bank-chief-Paul-Flowers.html#ixzz2l0qVkXrI|title=Crystal meth shame of bank chief|first=Nick |last=Craven |first2=Ross |last2=Slater|newspaper=]|date=16 November 2013|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> He was subsequently taken to court and convicted of possession of drugs.<ref>. Helen Pidd. Publisher: '']'' newspaper. Published: 7 May 2014. Retrieved: 8 May 2014.</ref>


⚫ In November 2013, the activities of Flowers, who had occupied a variety of powerful political and business posts and had been appointed by Labour leader ] to a senior post in 2010, were widely reported in the media. Flowers was filmed by an acquaintance in his car apparently agreeing to buy ] and ], and appearing to count large sums of money while discussing his use of a range of other non-medicinal drugs.<ref>{{cite news|first=Haroon |last=Siddique|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/17/co-op-bank-former-chairman-cash-drugs|title=Co-operative Bank's former chairman 'seeking help' after drugs admission|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 November 2013|access-date=8 May 2014}}</ref> He was subsequently taken to court and convicted of possession of drugs.<ref>. Helen Pidd. Publisher: '']'' newspaper. Published: 7 May 2014. Retrieved: 8 May 2014.</ref>
Soon after the film of the apparent purchase of illicit drugs was released to the media, it was revealed that, while deputy head of social services at ], Flowers had known about the activities of paedophiles at a residential boys' school,<ref name=School>{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Craven|first2=Ross|last2=Slater|first3=Ben|last3=Ellerby |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2516192/Crystal-Methodist-link-school-described-sweet-shop-paedophiles.html |title=Crystal Methodist in link to school described as 'sweet shop for paedophiles' |newspaper=Daily Mail |date=30 November 2013 |accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> but had not informed parents or taken measures to close the school,<ref name=School /> was responsible for rejecting allegations of child sex abuse against the late ] ] ],<ref name=Telegraph>{{cite news|last=Rayner |first=Gordon |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/10466679/Rev-Paul-Flowers-links-to-Cyril-Smith.html |title=Rev Paul Flowers' links to Cyril Smith |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=21 November 2013 |accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> and that, in 2011, while working at ], "inappropriate but not illegal ] was found on a council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/revealed-co-op-boss-quit-bradford-council-after-adult-content-found-on-computer-1-6252880|title=Co-op boss quit Bradford Council after ‘adult content’ found on computer|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2013|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> Several newspapers reported allegations that he communicated with rent boys using his work email account while he was in charge of the Co-operative Bank, and was convicted of carrying out a sex act in a public toilet more than 30 years ago.<ref name=Telegraph/><ref>. Martin Robinson. '']'' newspaper. Published: 19 November 2013. Retrieved: 8 May 2014.</ref> After the bank lost £700m in the first half of 2013, and a £1.5 billion hole in the bank's finances was discovered by the new ] ] in May 2013, Flowers resigned in June 2013.<ref>{{cite news|first=Haroon |last=Siddique|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/17/co-op-bank-former-chairman-cash-drugs|title=Co-operative Bank's former chairman 'seeking help' after drugs admission|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 November 2013|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Tomas |last=Jivanda|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coop-bank-former-chair-allegedly-filmed-handing-over-300-for-drugs-including-crystal-meth-and-cocaine-8945280.html|title=Co-op bank former chair allegedly filmed handing over £300 for drugs including crystal meth and cocaine|newspaper=The Independent|date=17 November 2013|accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref>


Soon after the film of the apparent purchase of illicit drugs was released to the media, it was revealed that, while deputy head of social services at ], Flowers had known about the activities of ] at a residential boys' school, but had not informed parents or taken measures to close the school, was responsible for rejecting allegations of child sex abuse against the late ] ] ],<ref name=Telegraph>{{cite news|last=Rayner |first=Gordon |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/10466679/Rev-Paul-Flowers-links-to-Cyril-Smith.html |title=Rev Paul Flowers' links to Cyril Smith |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=8 May 2014}}</ref> and that, in 2011, while working at ], "inappropriate but not illegal ] was found on a council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/revealed-co-op-boss-quit-bradford-council-after-adult-content-found-on-computer-1-6252880|title=Co-op boss quit Bradford Council after 'adult content' found on computer|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2013|access-date=8 May 2014}}</ref>
⚫ ==Early life==
⚫ Flowers was brought up in ], going to ].<ref name=eastleighnews-20131120>{{cite news |url=http://www.eastleighnews.co.uk/2013/11/disgraced-bank-boss-has-local-links/ |title=Disgraced bank boss has local links |newspaper=Eastleigh News |date=20 November 2013 |accessdate=27 November 2013}}</ref> From 1972 he studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree in ], graduating from the ] in 1975.<ref name=BBC25039286>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25039286|title=Timeline: Flowers, Labour and the Co-op|publisher=BBC News|date=21 November 2013|accessdate=21 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=candidates-2009/> Early in his career he worked for four years in banking, gaining part 1 and half of his part 2 ] qualification.<ref name=TelgProfile/>


Several newspapers reported allegations that he communicated with male ] using his work email account while he was in charge of the Co-operative Bank, and was convicted of carrying out a sex act in a public toilet more than 30 years ago.<ref name=Telegraph/>
Flowers now lives in Greater Manchester following his retirement from active ministry in June 2014.<ref name=guardian-20131121a>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/20/police-search-home-former-coop-boss-paul-flowers |title=Police search former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers' home |work=Press Association |publisher=The Guardian |date=21 November 2013 |accessdate=21 November 2013}}</ref>

⚫ ==Early life==
⚫ Flowers was born in ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/shamed-co-op-bank-boss-paul-6320604|title = Shamed Co-op bank boss Paul Flowers is ex-Rochdale minister|date = 19 November 2013}}</ref> and brought up in ], going to ].<ref name=eastleighnews-20131120>{{cite news |url=http://www.eastleighnews.co.uk/2013/11/disgraced-bank-boss-has-local-links/ |title=Disgraced bank boss has local links |newspaper=Eastleigh News |date=20 November 2013 |access-date=27 November 2013}}</ref> From 1972 he studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree in ], graduating from the ] in 1975.<ref name=BBC25039286>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25039286|title=Timeline: Flowers, Labour and the Co-op|publisher=BBC News|date=21 November 2013|access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=candidates-2009/> He then obtained a post-graduate diploma at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/10461253/The-Co-op-board-and-a-backroom-deal-that-backfired.html|title=The Co-op board and a backroom deal that backfired|first=James|last=Quinn|date=19 November 2013|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> Early in his career he worked for four years in banking, gaining part 1 and half of his part 2 ] qualification.<ref name=TelgProfile/>


==Methodist minister== ==Methodist minister==
Flowers has been a Methodist minister for over 40 years. In 1976 he was appointed in the ] area of ].<ref name=BBC25039286/> From 1978 to 1981 he was a minister at ]’s Methodist church in ].<ref name=eastleighnews-20131120/> After periods in ], ] and ], he returned to Bradford.<ref name="BBC25039286" /> Flowers was a minister at ] and ] churches in the Bradford South Circuit near his home in ].<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref name=Mirror2805137/> He retired from the ministry in early summer 2014, He has now retired from the Methodist church and has left Bradford . He has still yet to face a disciplinary hearing of the Methodist Church but this has been delayed for some months. Flowers was a trustee for Methodist Church Purposes, the body which manages the church's invested funds and property.<ref name=TelgProfile/> Flowers has contributed regularly to the '']'', including a spell as the paper's art critic, writing the Gallery Notes column.{{http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2001/mar/12/guardianletters}} He has also reported from the Methodist Conference.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} In 2000 he attempted to set up a trade union for clergy to protect members against false allegations of abuse.<ref></ref> For a number of years he was a leading candidate in the race for the position of President of the Methodist Conference but withdrew after three unsuccessful attempts.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}} Flowers was a Methodist minister for over 40 years. In 1976 he was appointed to serve the church in ], ].<ref name=BBC25039286/> From 1978 to 1981 he was a minister at ]'s Methodist church in ].<ref name=eastleighnews-20131120/> After periods in ], ] and ], he returned to Bradford.<ref name="BBC25039286" /> Flowers was a minister at ] and ] churches in the Bradford South Circuit near his home in ].<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref name=Mirror2805137/> Flowers was a trustee for Methodist Church Purposes, the body which manages the church's invested funds and property.<ref name=TelgProfile/> Flowers contributed regularly to the '']'', including a spell as the paper's art critic, writing the Gallery Notes column.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2001/mar/12/guardianletters|title=Letters: Naked truth about those pictures|date=12 March 2001|website=The Guardian|access-date=12 October 2018}}</ref> He also reported from the Methodist Conference.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} In 2000 he attempted to set up a trade union for clergy to protect members against false allegations of abuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/444849/Revealed-How-drugs-Methodist-Paul-Flowers-planned-to-set-up-union-for-clergy|title=Revealed: How 'drugs' Methodist Paul Flowers planned to set up union for clergy|first=Kirsty|last=Buchanan|date=24 November 2013|access-date=12 October 2018}}</ref> For a number of years he was a leading candidate in the race for the position of ] but withdrew after three unsuccessful attempts.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}


On 21 November 2013 he was suspended indefinitely by the church. In early summer 2014 he left Bradford to live in Greater Manchester.<ref name=guardian-20131121a>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/20/police-search-home-former-coop-boss-paul-flowers |title=Police search former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers' home |work=Press Association |publisher=The Guardian |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref> He ceased to be in 'Full Connexion' (that is, on the list of authorised ministers) with the ] in January 2017, following the conclusion of a disciplinary process which found him guilty of 'seriously impairing the mission, witness or integrity of the church'.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/16/former-co-op-bank-chair-paul-flowers-dismissed-from-church-over-drugs|title=Former Co-op Bank chair Paul Flowers dismissed from church over drugs|first=Harriet |last=Sherwood |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 January 2017|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref>
On 21 November 2013 he was suspended indefinitely by the church. He was to face a disciplinary enquiry by the Methodist authorities, but this has not taken place .<ref name=mail-20131120>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2510897/Co-op-chief-Paul-Flowers-quit-charity-150-000-false-expenses-claims.html |title=Co-op chief Paul Flowers quit charity over '£150,000 false expenses claims' |newspaper=Daily Mail |date=20 November 2013 |accessdate=22 November 2013}}</ref>


==Co-operative Group== ==Co-operative Group==
Flowers' career progressed through the democratic structures of ], becoming a member of its board following election via United's Yorkshire Regional Committee.<ref name=candidates-2009>{{cite web |url=http://www.co-operative.coop/Membership/pdfs/Pdf%20Candidates'%20Booklet%20-%202009%20-%20Regional.pdf |title=Group Board Elections 2009 Candidates’ Details – Regional Elections |publisher=The Co-operative Group |year=2009 |accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.co-operative.coop/Corporate/PDFs/United_Co-operatives_stakeholder_report2007.pdf |title=Our Stakeholder Report 2007 |publisher=The Co-operative Group|year=2007 |accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> In 2008, following United's merger with ] in 2007,<ref name=BBC24984680/> he joined the board of the Co-op Group, and was later made its deputy chairman.<ref name=BizWekBio>{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=60017245&privcapId=3433747&previousCapId=107555&previousTitle=Berwin%20Leighton%20Paisner,%20LLP|title=Paul Flowers|publisher=]|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=TelgProfile/><ref name=TelgProfile/> He resigned from the Group board and all subsidiary positions in June 2013, after his enforced resignation from Co-op Bank that month.<ref name=TelgProfile/> Flowers' career progressed through the democratic structures of ], becoming a member of its board following election via United's Yorkshire Regional Committee.<ref name=candidates-2009>{{cite web |url=http://www.co-operative.coop/Membership/pdfs/Pdf%20Candidates%27%20Booklet%20-%202009%20-%20Regional.pdf |title=Group Board Elections 2009 Candidates' Details – Regional Elections |publisher=The Co-operative Group |year=2009 |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070158/http://www.co-operative.coop/Membership/pdfs/Pdf%20Candidates%27%20Booklet%20-%202009%20-%20Regional.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.co-operative.coop/Corporate/PDFs/United_Co-operatives_stakeholder_report2007.pdf |title=Our Stakeholder Report 2007 |publisher=The Co-operative Group |year=2007 |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225306/http://www.co-operative.coop/Corporate/PDFs/United_Co-operatives_stakeholder_report2007.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008, following United's merger with ] in 2007,<ref name=BBC24984680/> he joined the board of the Co-op Group, and was later made its deputy chairman.<ref name=BizWekBio>{{cite web|url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=60017245&privcapId=3433747&previousCapId=107555&previousTitle=Berwin%20Leighton%20Paisner,%20LLP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203033701/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=60017245&privcapId=3433747&previousCapId=107555&previousTitle=Berwin%20Leighton%20Paisner,%20LLP|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 December 2013|title=Paul Flowers|publisher=]|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=TelgProfile/> He resigned from the Group board and all subsidiary positions in June 2013, after his enforced resignation from Co-op Bank that month.<ref name=TelgProfile/>


===Co-operative Bank=== ===Co-operative Bank===
In 2009, following its merger with ],<ref name=TelgProfile/> Flowers was appointed ] ] of ], on a salary which rose to £132,000.<ref name=DMail2508464/> On 26 March 2010 he was appointed non-executive chairman of ]; the holding company for both the Co-operative Bank and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iii.co.uk/investment/detail/?display=news&code=cotn:CPBB.L&action=article&articleid=7813730|title=Co-operative Bank - Appointment of Chairman|publisher=Interactive Investor|date=26 March 2010|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> During this period, he was made a fellow of the ];<ref name=BizWekBio/> in light of the later scandal, the fellowship was withdrawn on 21 November 2013.{{dubious|date=November 2013}}{{citation needed|date=November 2013}} In 2009, following its merger with ],<ref name=TelgProfile/> Flowers was appointed ] of ]. On 26 March 2010 he was appointed non-executive chairman of ]; the holding company for both the Co-operative Bank and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iii.co.uk/investment/detail/?display=news&code=cotn:CPBB.L&action=article&articleid=7813730|title=Co-operative Bank - Appointment of Chairman|publisher=Interactive Investor|date=26 March 2010|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref> During this period, he was made a fellow of the ]; in light of the later scandal, the fellowship was withdrawn on 21 November 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Patrick Hosking and Katherine |date=2024-06-07 |title=Pressure on men at the helm of bank |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/pressure-on-men-at-the-helm-of-bank-ctsq27f5sbt |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=]|language=en}}</ref>


After the bank lost £700m in the first half of 2013, and then the discovery of a £1.5bn hole in the bank's finances by new ] ] in May 2013, Flowers resigned from the bank in June 2013, taking responsibility for the difficulties the bank experienced after acquiring Britannia.<ref name=Guard17Nov/> He was replaced by Richard Pym, head of ].<ref name=TelgProfile/> After the bank lost £700m in the first half of 2013, and then the discovery of a £1.5bn hole in the bank's finances by new ] ] in May 2013, Flowers resigned from the bank in June 2013, taking responsibility for the difficulties the bank experienced after acquiring Britannia.<ref name=Guard17Nov/> He was replaced by Richard Pym, head of ].<ref name=TelgProfile/>


Flowers testified to the ] in November 2013 that the Britannia merger and other deals were undertaken under pressure from senior government ministers.<ref>{{cite news|first=Harry |last=Wilson|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/10431405/Politicians-wanted-Co-op-Bank-to-grow-says-former-chairman.html|title=Politicians wanted Co-op Bank to grow, says former chairman|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=6 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref></ref> Flowers testified to the ] in November 2013 that the Britannia merger and other deals were undertaken under pressure from senior government ministers.<ref>{{cite news|first=Harry |last=Wilson|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/10431405/Politicians-wanted-Co-op-Bank-to-grow-says-former-chairman.html|title=Politicians wanted Co-op Bank to grow, says former chairman|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|date=6 November 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/treasury-committee/news/paul-flowers-hearing-in-project-verde-inquiry-rescheduled/|title=Reverend Paul Flowers questioned for Project Verde inquiry - News from Parliament|website=UK Parliament|access-date=12 October 2018}}</ref>

In March 2018 Flowers was banned from the financial services industry by the ] (FCA) for having used his work email for sexually explicit messages and to discuss illegal drugs, and his work mobile phone to call premium rate chat lines. The FCA said he had "demonstrated a lack of fitness and propriety required to work in financial services" and consumers would lose faith in the industry if he was allowed to continue in it.<ref name="bbc._ExCo">{{Cite web |title=Ex Co-op Bank boss banned after sex and drugs emails |work=] |date=6 March 2018 |access-date=18 March 2019 |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/business-43300603}}</ref>


==Labour Party== ==Labour Party==
In the 1970s Flowers was vice-chairman of Eastleigh Labour Party, and contested ] in ] county council elections.<ref name=eastleighnews-20131120/> In the 1970s Flowers was vice-chairman of Eastleigh Labour Party, and contested ] in ] county council elections in 1981.<ref name=eastleighnews-20131120/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10818258.sex-shame-past-of-co-op-banks-former-political-parson-rev-paul-flowers-at-the-heart-of-a-fresh-drugs-scandal/|title=Sex shame past of Co-op bank supremo|website=Daily Echo|date=19 November 2013 }}</ref>


Flowers unsuccessfully stood for selection in 1985 as the Labour candidate to contest the ] parliamentary seat, supported by branches of his union as a former bank worker, the ]. He described himself as "towards the centre" politically in this campaign.<ref name=covtelegraph-20131122>{{cite news |url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/news-opinion/crystal-methodist-paul-flowers-three-way-6332855 |title=Red Button: The 'crystal Methodist' and the three-way tussle to be Coventry MP |newspaper=Coventry Telegraph |date=22 November 2013 |accessdate=23 November 2013}}</ref> Flowers unsuccessfully stood for selection in 1985 as the Labour candidate to contest the ] parliamentary seat, supported by branches of his union as a former bank worker, the ]. He described himself as "towards the centre" politically in this campaign.<ref name=covtelegraph-20131122>{{cite news |url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/news-opinion/crystal-methodist-paul-flowers-three-way-6332855 |title=Red Button: The 'crystal Methodist' and the three-way tussle to be Coventry MP |newspaper=Coventry Telegraph |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>


In the ] council election of 1988 he gained a seat in the ] and ] ward, holding it until 1992.<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/shamed-co-op-bank-boss-paul-6320604|title=Shamed Co-op bank boss Paul Flowers is ex-Rochdale minister|first=Chris |last=Jones|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2013|accessdate=19 November 2013}}</ref> Flowers was vice-chairman of ]'s social services committee<ref>{{cite news|first=Nick|last=Craven|first2=Ross|last2=Slater|first3=Ben|last3=Ellerby |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2516192/Crystal-Methodist-link-school-described-sweet-shop-paedophiles.html |title=Crystal Methodist in link to school described as 'sweet shop for paedophiles' |newspaper=Daily Mail |date=30 November 2013 |accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> at the time of a Satanic abuse scandal, and was responsible for rejecting allegations of child sex abuse against the late MP ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rayner |first=Gordon |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/10466679/Rev-Paul-Flowers-links-to-Cyril-Smith.html |title=Rev Paul Flowers' links to Cyril Smith |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=21 November 2013 |accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref> In the ] council election of 1988 he gained a seat in the ] and ] ward, holding it until 1992.<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/shamed-co-op-bank-boss-paul-6320604|title=Shamed Co-op bank boss Paul Flowers is ex-Rochdale minister|first=Chris |last=Jones|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2013|access-date=19 November 2013}}</ref> Flowers was vice-chairman of ]'s social services committee at the time of a Satanic abuse scandal, and was responsible for rejecting allegations of child sex abuse against the late MP ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rayner |first=Gordon |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/10466679/Rev-Paul-Flowers-links-to-Cyril-Smith.html |title=Rev Paul Flowers' links to Cyril Smith |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=9 December 2013}}</ref>


He then moved to ], serving for 10 years on the city council.<ref name=TelgProfile/> He resigned his seat in ] in September 2011, because of his "increased responsibilities as Co-op Bank's chairman."<ref name=BradTA10814905>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/10814905.Bradford_Methodist_minister_says_sorry_after_being_caught_up_in_drugs_scandal/|title=Bradford Methodist minister|first=Michael |last=Black|newspaper=Bradford telegraph & Argus|date=18 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> In light of the 2013 drugs scandal, Bradford City Council revealed that, in 2011, "Inappropriate but not illegal ] was found on a council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/revealed-co-op-boss-quit-bradford-council-after-adult-content-found-on-computer-1-6252880|title=Co-op boss quit Bradford Council after ‘adult content’ found on computer|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2013|accessdate=19 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=BBC24998955/> He then moved to ], serving for 10 years on the city council.<ref name=TelgProfile/> He resigned his seat in ] in September 2011, because of his "increased responsibilities as Co-op Bank's chairman."<ref name=BradTA10814905>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/10814905.Bradford_Methodist_minister_says_sorry_after_being_caught_up_in_drugs_scandal/|title=Bradford Methodist minister|first=Michael |last=Black|newspaper=Bradford telegraph & Argus|date=18 November 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref> In light of the 2013 drugs scandal, Bradford City Council revealed that, in 2011, "Inappropriate but not illegal adult content was found on a council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/revealed-co-op-boss-quit-bradford-council-after-adult-content-found-on-computer-1-6252880|title=Co-op boss quit Bradford Council after 'adult content' found on computer|newspaper=]|date=19 November 2013|access-date=19 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=BBC24998955/>


In 2010 he was appointed by new ] leader ] to the party's finance and industry advisory board.<ref name=BBC24984680/><ref name=mail-20131120/> On 6 March 2013 as part of his membership of the group, Labour leader ] met Flowers to discuss UK banking reform.<ref name=BBC25039286/> In 2010 he was appointed by new ] leader ] to the party's finance and industry advisory board.<ref name=BBC24984680/> On 6 March 2013 as part of his membership of the group, Labour leader ] met Flowers to discuss UK banking reform.<ref name=BBC25039286/>


Flowers had told MPs on the Banking Committee that he had helped to arrange a donation to then-shadow chancellor ] office although Balls insisted that Flowers had nothing do to with the donation.<ref></ref> The scandal surrounding the revelations led the ], ] to ask the Labour leadership to disclose details of any private meetings with Flowers and to return a £50,000 donation to ]'s office that Flowers had backed.<ref></ref> Flowers had told MPs on the Banking Committee that he had helped to arrange a donation to then-shadow chancellor ] office although Balls insisted that Flowers had nothing to do with the donation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/10465404/Ed-Balls-proud-of-50000-donation-linked-to-disgraced-cocaine-Co-op-chairman.html|title=Ed Balls 'proud' of £50,000 donation linked to disgraced 'cocaine' Co-op chairman|first=James|last=Kirkup|date=21 November 2013|access-date=12 October 2018|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}</ref> The scandal surrounding the revelations led the ], ] to ask the Labour leadership to disclose details of any private meetings with Flowers and to return a £50,000 donation to ]'s office that Flowers had backed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/20/police-search-home-former-coop-boss-paul-flowers|title=Police search former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers' home|agency=Press Association|date=20 November 2013|website=The Guardian|access-date=12 October 2018}}</ref>


==Other works== ==Other works==
Flowers has been involved with a large number of charities, including being a trustee of both the ], and for 12 years the Lifeline Project, which works in the field of drug abuse. Following the scandal of November 2013, the Lifeline project stated that at the time of his resignation he was under investigation following alleged submission of false expenses claims, with the matter having then been referred to the ].<ref name=BBC25039286/><ref name=guardian-20131121b>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/21/co-op-bank-paul-flowers-drug-charity-investigation-expenses |title=Paul Flowers left drug charity after investigation into his expenses |work=Press Association |publisher=The Guardian |date=21 November 2013 |accessdate=21 November 2013}}</ref> Flowers has been involved with a large number of charities, including being a trustee of both the ] and, between 1992 and 2004, the ], which worked in the field of alcohol and drug abuse. Following the scandal of November 2013, the Lifeline project stated that at the time of his resignation he was under investigation following alleged submission of false expenses claims, with the matter having then been referred to the ].<ref name=BBC25039286/><ref name=guardian-20131121b>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/21/co-op-bank-paul-flowers-drug-charity-investigation-expenses |title=Paul Flowers left drug charity after investigation into his expenses |work=Press Association |publisher=The Guardian |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=21 November 2013}}</ref>


In the 1980s he was vice-chairman of the West Midlands ].<ref name=covtelegraph-20131122/> Flowers has been a member of the ], and was vice chair of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau.<ref name=BBC24984680>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24984680|title=How did Flowers bloom at Co-op Bank?|authorlink=Robert Peston|first=Robert|last=Peston|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News|date=18 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> In the 1980s he was vice-chairman of the West Midlands ].<ref name=covtelegraph-20131122/> Flowers has been a member of the ], and was vice chair of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau.<ref name=BBC24984680>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24984680|title=How did Flowers bloom at Co-op Bank?|author-link=Robert Peston|first=Robert|last=Peston|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News|date=18 November 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref>


Flowers was also a chair of ] (the ] ]) between 2012 and 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.classicfm.com/artists/manchester-camerata/news/manchester-camerata-announce-new-chairman/|title=Manchester Camerata announces new chairman|website=Classic FM|date=6 September 2012|access-date=19 May 2024|quote=The world-class orchestra announced the appointment of the Reverend Paul Flowers, Chair of the Board of the Co-operative Banking Group, as chairman in their 40th Anniversary Season.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/xqoCDsyx7gGYviUBn2uJNz_Ipqc/appointments|title=Paul John FLOWERS personal appointments|website=company-information.service.gov.uk|access-date=19 November 2013}}</ref>
Flowers was also a chair of ], the city's ].<ref name=TelgProfile>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/business-news-markets-live/10455159/Profile-Rev.-Paul-Flowers.html|title=Profile: Rev, Paul Flowers|first=Rebecca|last= Burn-Callander |first2=James |last2=Quinn|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|date=17 November 2013|accessdate=17 November 2013}}</ref>


He is a fellow of both the ] and the ].<ref name=BizWekBio/> He is a fellow of both the ] and the ].<ref name=BizWekBio/>


==Drugs scandal== ==Drugs scandal==
A few days after his appearance before the Treasury Select Committee, Flowers was filmed by acquaintance Stuart Davies in his car apparently agreeing to buy ] and ].<ref name=DMail2508464/> The clip appears to show him counting out £300 in £20 notes, before sending a friend to make the deal. Whilst waiting, Flowers discusses his use of ], ] and ].<ref name=DMail2508464/> Davies handed over the footage to the '']'', which published its article on 17 November 2013.<ref name=DMail2508464>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2508464/Crystal-meth-shame-Co-op-bank-chief-Paul-Flowers.html#ixzz2l0qVkXrI|title=Crystal meth shame of bank chief|first=Nick |last=Craven |first2=Ross |last2=Slater|newspaper=]|date=16 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> A few days after his appearance before the Treasury Select Committee, Flowers was filmed by acquaintance Stuart Davies in his car apparently agreeing to buy ] and ]. The clip appears to show him counting out £300 in £20 notes, before sending a friend to make the deal. Whilst waiting, Flowers discusses his use of ], ] and ]. Davies handed over the footage to the '']'', which published its article on 17 November 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24978293|title=Co-op Bank ex-boss Paul Flowers 'filmed buying drugs'|work=BBC News|date=17 November 2013}}</ref> On 21 November it emerged that Flowers had been convicted of drunk-driving in Manchester in 1990.<ref name=guardian-20131121b />


Flowers was immediately suspended by the Methodist ministry for three weeks (later extended to indefinite suspension) pending further investigation,<ref name=BradTA10814905/><ref name=MethFlwrs1>{{cite web|url=http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/the-revd-paul-flowers|title=The Rev. Paul Flowers|publisher=Methodist Church|date=17 November 2013|accessdate=17 November 2013}}</ref> and suspended as a member of the Labour Party.<ref name=Mirror2805137>{{cite news|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-co-op-bank-ex-chairman-2805137|title=Co-op Bank ex-chairman has Labour party membership suspended|first=Paul |last=Cockerton|newspaper=]|date=18 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=Guard17Nov>{{cite news|first=Haroon |last=Siddique|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/17/co-op-bank-former-chairman-cash-drugs|title=Co-operative Bank's former chairman 'seeking help' after drugs admission|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Tomas |last=Jivanda|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coop-bank-former-chair-allegedly-filmed-handing-over-300-for-drugs-including-crystal-meth-and-cocaine-8945280.html|title=Co-op bank former chair allegedly filmed handing over £300 for drugs including crystal meth and cocaine|newspaper=The Independent|date=17 November 2013|accessdate=18 November 2013}}</ref> Flowers in a statement said:<ref name=MethFlwrs1/> Flowers was immediately suspended by the Methodist Church for three weeks (later extended to indefinite suspension) pending further investigation,<ref name=BradTA10814905/><ref name=MethFlwrs1>{{cite web|url=http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/the-revd-paul-flowers|title=The Rev. Paul Flowers|publisher=Methodist Church|date=17 November 2013|access-date=17 November 2013|archive-date=22 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122040802/http://www.methodist.org.uk/news-and-events/news-releases/the-revd-paul-flowers|url-status=dead}}</ref> and suspended as a member of the Labour Party.<ref name=Mirror2805137>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-co-op-bank-ex-chairman-2805137|title=Co-op Bank ex-chairman has Labour party membership suspended|first=Paul |last=Cockerton|newspaper=]|date=18 November 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=Guard17Nov>{{cite news|first=Haroon |last=Siddique|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/17/co-op-bank-former-chairman-cash-drugs|title=Co-operative Bank's former chairman 'seeking help' after drugs admission|newspaper=The Guardian|date=17 November 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Tomas |last=Jivanda|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coop-bank-former-chair-allegedly-filmed-handing-over-300-for-drugs-including-crystal-meth-and-cocaine-8945280.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coop-bank-former-chair-allegedly-filmed-handing-over-300-for-drugs-including-crystal-meth-and-cocaine-8945280.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Co-op bank former chair allegedly filmed handing over £300 for drugs including crystal meth and cocaine|newspaper=The Independent|date=17 November 2013|access-date=18 November 2013}}</ref> Flowers in a statement said:<ref name=MethFlwrs1/>
{{cquote|This year has been incredibly difficult, with a death in the family and the pressures of my role with the Co-operative Bank. At the lowest point in this terrible period, I did things that were stupid and wrong. I am sorry for this, and I am seeking professional help, and apologise to all I have hurt or failed by my actions}} {{cquote|This year has been incredibly difficult, with a death in the family and the pressures of my role with the Co-operative Bank. At the lowest point in this terrible period, I did things that were stupid and wrong. I am sorry for this, and I am seeking professional help, and apologise to all I have hurt or failed by my actions}}
Co-operative Group chairman Len Wardle, who had been part of the committee which had selected Flowers and was scheduled to retire in May 2014, resigned in light of the revelations. He was replaced by Ursula Lidbetter, Co-op Group's deputy chair and chief executive of the ] Co-operative Society.<ref name=BBC24998955>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24998955|title=Co-op Group chair quits over Paul Flowers drugs claims|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News|date=19 November 2013|accessdate=19 November 2013}}</ref> Co-operative Group chairman Len Wardle, who had been part of the committee which had selected Flowers and was scheduled to retire in May 2014, resigned in light of the revelations. He was replaced by Ursula Lidbetter, Co-op Group's deputy chair and chief executive of the ] Co-operative Society.<ref name=BBC24998955>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24998955|title=Co-op Group chair quits over Paul Flowers drugs claims|publisher=BBC|work=BBC News|date=19 November 2013|access-date=19 November 2013}}</ref>

⚫ ] announced in the ] that he would be setting up inquiries to determine how Flowers had come to be appointed chairman of the Co-op Bank.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25020670 |title=PMQs: Cameron on Paul Flowers and Co-Op Bank inquiry|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=20 November 2013|access-date=16 April 2014}}</ref>

⚫ On 21 November 2013 Flowers was arrested by police in the Merseyside area in connection with a drugs supply investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1172122/ex-co-op-bank-chairman-paul-flowers-arrested |title=Ex Co-op Bank Chairman Paul Flowers Arrested |publisher=News.sky.com |access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> He has been dubbed the "'']''odist".<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Anthony|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/01/cocaine |title=Cocaine: why we are all talking about it|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 December 2013|access-date=16 April 2014}}</ref> In April 2014 he was charged with possession of drugs,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27048297|title=Paul Flowers faces drugs charges|date=16 April 2014|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=16 April 2014}}</ref> and convicted of possessing cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine on 7 May 2014, receiving a £400 fine.<ref name=bbc-20140507>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27305701 |title=Former Co-op boss Paul Flowers admits drug possession |publisher=BBC |date=7 May 2014 |access-date=31 July 2014}}</ref>


==Fraud allegations==
⚫ ] announced in the ] that he would be setting up inquiries to determine how Flowers had come to be appointed chairman of the Co-op Bank.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-25020670 |title=PMQs: Cameron on Paul Flowers and Co-Op Bank inquiry|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=20 November 2013|accessdate=16 April 2014}}</ref>


In a further blow to Flowers already stained character and litany of criminal activity, in 2023 he was charged with fraud by ] in relation to his actions as the ] of the ] of a Margaret Mary Jarvis. Flowers has been accused of committing £68,000 of fraud by abusing his position between June 2016 and October 2017. A trial date has been set at ] for 1 September 2025, and Flowers was bailed in December 2023. <ref name=MEN>{{cite news |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/fraud-trial-date-set-former-28319337|title=Fraud trial date set for former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers |publisher=Manchester Evening News |date=19 December 2023 |access-date=20 April 2024}}</ref>
⚫ On 21 November 2013 Flowers was arrested by police in the Merseyside area in connection with a drugs supply investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1172122/ex-co-op-bank-chairman-paul-flowers-arrested |title=Ex Co-op Bank Chairman Paul Flowers Arrested |publisher=News.sky.com |date= |accessdate=22 November 2013}}</ref> He has been dubbed the "'']''odist".<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Anthony|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/dec/01/cocaine |title=Cocaine: why we are all talking about it|newspaper=The Guardian|date=1 December 2013|accessdate=16 April 2014}}</ref> In April 2014 he was charged with possession of drugs,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27048297|title=Paul Flowers faces drugs charges|date=16 April 2014|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|accessdate=16 April 2014}}</ref> and convicted of possessing cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine on 7 May 2014, receiving a £400 fine.<ref name=bbc-20140507>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-27305701 |title=Former Co-op boss Paul Flowers admits drug possession |publisher=BBC |date=7 May 2014 |accessdate=31 July 2014}}</ref>


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Latest revision as of 10:13, 12 December 2024

Paul Flowers
BornPaul John Flowers
(1950-06-05) 5 June 1950 (age 74)
Portsmouth, Hampshire,
England
Other namesThe Crystal Methodist
OccupationRetired
Years active1975–present
OrganizationThe Co-operative Group
TitleNon-executive chairman,
The Co-operative Bank (2009–13)

Paul John Flowers FRSA FRGS (born 5 June 1950) is an English businessman and former Methodist minister. He is a former Labour councillor in Rochdale and Bradford, and was Non-executive chairman of the Co-operative Bank.

After the bank lost £700m in the first half of 2013, and a £1.5 billion hole in the bank's finances was discovered by the new chief executive Euan Sutherland in May 2013, Flowers resigned in May 2013.

In November 2013, the activities of Flowers, who had occupied a variety of powerful political and business posts and had been appointed by Labour leader Ed Miliband to a senior post in 2010, were widely reported in the media. Flowers was filmed by an acquaintance in his car apparently agreeing to buy cocaine and methamphetamine, and appearing to count large sums of money while discussing his use of a range of other non-medicinal drugs. He was subsequently taken to court and convicted of possession of drugs.

Soon after the film of the apparent purchase of illicit drugs was released to the media, it was revealed that, while deputy head of social services at Rochdale Council, Flowers had known about the activities of paedophiles at a residential boys' school, but had not informed parents or taken measures to close the school, was responsible for rejecting allegations of child sex abuse against the late Rochdale MP Cyril Smith, and that, in 2011, while working at Bradford Council, "inappropriate but not illegal adult content was found on a council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately."

Several newspapers reported allegations that he communicated with male sex workers using his work email account while he was in charge of the Co-operative Bank, and was convicted of carrying out a sex act in a public toilet more than 30 years ago.

Early life

Flowers was born in Portsmouth and brought up in Eastleigh, going to Barton Peveril School. From 1972 he studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology, graduating from the University of Bristol in 1975. He then obtained a post-graduate diploma at the University of Geneva. Early in his career he worked for four years in banking, gaining part 1 and half of his part 2 Institute of Bankers qualification.

Methodist minister

Flowers was a Methodist minister for over 40 years. In 1976 he was appointed to serve the church in Bradford, West Yorkshire. From 1978 to 1981 he was a minister at Hedge End's Methodist church in Eastleigh. After periods in Coventry, Rochdale and Bridlington, he returned to Bradford. Flowers was a minister at Clayton and Wibsey churches in the Bradford South Circuit near his home in Bradford. Flowers was a trustee for Methodist Church Purposes, the body which manages the church's invested funds and property. Flowers contributed regularly to the Methodist Recorder, including a spell as the paper's art critic, writing the Gallery Notes column. He also reported from the Methodist Conference. In 2000 he attempted to set up a trade union for clergy to protect members against false allegations of abuse. For a number of years he was a leading candidate in the race for the position of president of the Methodist Conference but withdrew after three unsuccessful attempts.

On 21 November 2013 he was suspended indefinitely by the church. In early summer 2014 he left Bradford to live in Greater Manchester. He ceased to be in 'Full Connexion' (that is, on the list of authorised ministers) with the Methodist Church of Great Britain in January 2017, following the conclusion of a disciplinary process which found him guilty of 'seriously impairing the mission, witness or integrity of the church'.

Co-operative Group

Flowers' career progressed through the democratic structures of United Co-operatives, becoming a member of its board following election via United's Yorkshire Regional Committee. In 2008, following United's merger with The Co-operative Group in 2007, he joined the board of the Co-op Group, and was later made its deputy chairman. He resigned from the Group board and all subsidiary positions in June 2013, after his enforced resignation from Co-op Bank that month.

Co-operative Bank

In 2009, following its merger with Britannia Building Society, Flowers was appointed non-executive chairman of the Co-operative Bank. On 26 March 2010 he was appointed non-executive chairman of Co-operative Financial Services; the holding company for both the Co-operative Bank and the Co-operative Insurance Society. During this period, he was made a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland; in light of the later scandal, the fellowship was withdrawn on 21 November 2013.

After the bank lost £700m in the first half of 2013, and then the discovery of a £1.5bn hole in the bank's finances by new chief executive Euan Sutherland in May 2013, Flowers resigned from the bank in June 2013, taking responsibility for the difficulties the bank experienced after acquiring Britannia. He was replaced by Richard Pym, head of UK Asset Resolution.

Flowers testified to the Treasury Select Committee in November 2013 that the Britannia merger and other deals were undertaken under pressure from senior government ministers.

In March 2018 Flowers was banned from the financial services industry by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for having used his work email for sexually explicit messages and to discuss illegal drugs, and his work mobile phone to call premium rate chat lines. The FCA said he had "demonstrated a lack of fitness and propriety required to work in financial services" and consumers would lose faith in the industry if he was allowed to continue in it.

Labour Party

In the 1970s Flowers was vice-chairman of Eastleigh Labour Party, and contested Bishop's Waltham in Hampshire county council elections in 1981.

Flowers unsuccessfully stood for selection in 1985 as the Labour candidate to contest the Coventry South East parliamentary seat, supported by branches of his union as a former bank worker, the General, Municipal, Boilermakers and Allied Trade Union. He described himself as "towards the centre" politically in this campaign.

In the Rochdale council election of 1988 he gained a seat in the Smallbridge and Wardleworth ward, holding it until 1992. Flowers was vice-chairman of Rochdale Council's social services committee at the time of a Satanic abuse scandal, and was responsible for rejecting allegations of child sex abuse against the late MP Cyril Smith.

He then moved to Bradford, serving for 10 years on the city council. He resigned his seat in Great Horton in September 2011, because of his "increased responsibilities as Co-op Bank's chairman." In light of the 2013 drugs scandal, Bradford City Council revealed that, in 2011, "Inappropriate but not illegal adult content was found on a council computer handed in by Councillor Flowers for servicing. This was put to him and he resigned immediately."

In 2010 he was appointed by new Labour Party leader Ed Miliband to the party's finance and industry advisory board. On 6 March 2013 as part of his membership of the group, Labour leader Ed Miliband met Flowers to discuss UK banking reform.

Flowers had told MPs on the Banking Committee that he had helped to arrange a donation to then-shadow chancellor Ed Balls's office although Balls insisted that Flowers had nothing to do with the donation. The scandal surrounding the revelations led the Conservative Party chairman, Grant Shapps to ask the Labour leadership to disclose details of any private meetings with Flowers and to return a £50,000 donation to Ed Balls's office that Flowers had backed.

Other works

Flowers has been involved with a large number of charities, including being a trustee of both the Terrence Higgins Trust and, between 1992 and 2004, the Lifeline project, which worked in the field of alcohol and drug abuse. Following the scandal of November 2013, the Lifeline project stated that at the time of his resignation he was under investigation following alleged submission of false expenses claims, with the matter having then been referred to the Charity Commission.

In the 1980s he was vice-chairman of the West Midlands Citizens Advice Bureau. Flowers has been a member of the Advertising Standards Authority, and was vice chair of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau.

Flowers was also a chair of Manchester Camerata (the city's chamber orchestra) between 2012 and 2013.

He is a fellow of both the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Geographical Society.

Drugs scandal

A few days after his appearance before the Treasury Select Committee, Flowers was filmed by acquaintance Stuart Davies in his car apparently agreeing to buy cocaine and methamphetamine. The clip appears to show him counting out £300 in £20 notes, before sending a friend to make the deal. Whilst waiting, Flowers discusses his use of ketamine, cannabis and GHB. Davies handed over the footage to the Mail on Sunday, which published its article on 17 November 2013. On 21 November it emerged that Flowers had been convicted of drunk-driving in Manchester in 1990.

Flowers was immediately suspended by the Methodist Church for three weeks (later extended to indefinite suspension) pending further investigation, and suspended as a member of the Labour Party. Flowers in a statement said:

This year has been incredibly difficult, with a death in the family and the pressures of my role with the Co-operative Bank. At the lowest point in this terrible period, I did things that were stupid and wrong. I am sorry for this, and I am seeking professional help, and apologise to all I have hurt or failed by my actions

Co-operative Group chairman Len Wardle, who had been part of the committee which had selected Flowers and was scheduled to retire in May 2014, resigned in light of the revelations. He was replaced by Ursula Lidbetter, Co-op Group's deputy chair and chief executive of the Lincolnshire Co-operative Society.

David Cameron announced in the House of Commons that he would be setting up inquiries to determine how Flowers had come to be appointed chairman of the Co-op Bank.

On 21 November 2013 Flowers was arrested by police in the Merseyside area in connection with a drugs supply investigation. He has been dubbed the "crystal methodist". In April 2014 he was charged with possession of drugs, and convicted of possessing cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine on 7 May 2014, receiving a £400 fine.

Fraud allegations

In a further blow to Flowers already stained character and litany of criminal activity, in 2023 he was charged with fraud by Greater Manchester Police in relation to his actions as the executor of the Last Will and Testament of a Margaret Mary Jarvis. Flowers has been accused of committing £68,000 of fraud by abusing his position between June 2016 and October 2017. A trial date has been set at Manchester Crown Court for 1 September 2025, and Flowers was bailed in December 2023.

References

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