The WA Legislative Council says it had no choice but to sack a top-level officer because he had “lost the trust” of his colleagues, after criminal charges were raised against him.

Former deputy clerk of Legislative Council - Nigel Lake – has had his commission revoked by Governor Kerry Sanderson, after the Council voted unanimously to terminate him.

The WA State Parliament's Procedures and Privileges Committee was forced to review Mr Lake's position after he was arrested near the home of the clerk of the Legislative Council, Nigel Pratt.

Mr Lake was allegedly found in the Perth suburb of City Beach in February in possession of a baseball bat, balaclava and a tracking device.

He has been charged with multiple offences and appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court last month, where he has maintained his innocence.

He received full pay and entitlements despite being suspended since February 18.

Legislative Council president Barry House says his position is now simply untenable.

“I consider any behaviour which results in criminal charges being laid against a senior parliamentary officer as very serious,” House said.

“The Legislative Council has lost confidence in Mr Lake and the relationship of trust has been damaged beyond repair.

“The [council's] resolution was based on a report from the Procedure and Privileges Committee (PPC) which considered the matter ‘in camera’ and subject to parliamentary privilege.”

The PPC has reportedly written to Mr Lake, stating; “There had been a fundamental breach of trust and that a continuation of Mr Lake's Office of Deputy Clerk would be untenable”.

Mr Lake gave reasons as to why his employment should not be terminated, which were received confidentially by the committee.

“The evidence provided has satisfied the PPC that under no circumstances would it be tenable for Nigel Rodney Lake to retain his commission as deputy clerk of the Legislative Council,” Mr House said.

The PPC’s findings were based on the committee's loss of confidence, and not the outcome of any criminal charges Mr Lake faces.