19.11.18
Council leader loses no-confidence vote after public ‘lost faith’ in local Labour Party
The leader of Hartlepool Borough Council is facing calls to resign after a vote of no confidence was overwhelmingly passed against him.
Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher, who became leader in 2013, has his future in doubt after grassroots members of the Hartlepool Constituency Labour Party (CLP) cast the vote last week.
The Hartlepool leader has been subject to criticism from his party’s members who, in a letter released earlier this month, cited a “lack of communication and consultation with Hartlepool’s electorate,” as well as a “growing tide” of lies and deception regarding the leadership of the Labour Group across the town’s social media.
The motion also argued that Cllr Akers-Belcher remaining in the post could hurt the party’s chances in next May’s council elections.
The members noted that the main opposition in the town have begun to “weaponise” the leader of the Labour Group as reflected by the public criticism of the leadership from residents in Hartlepool, and that despite growing support for the National Labour Party — including MP Mike Hill — the people of Hartlepool “appear to have lost faith” in the local party.
“As a result of the above Hartlepool CLP does not believe the current leadership of Hartlepool Labour Group has a sustainable future. The party believes the time has come for new leadership that can command the respect of Hartlepool residents,” the statement said.
Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail, Cllr Akers-Belcher claimed he had been a victim of personal attacks.
“As reported in the national media, there is growing concern across the Labour Party that bullying behaviour is resulting in some political leaders being subject to personal attacks. I am incredibly disappointed that this too is happening Hartlepool,” he argued.
“I am encouraged by the many messages of support I have had from people. I believe that the National Labour Party and Labour North need to deal swiftly with this situation and put a stop to it.”
Hartlepool councillors will now decide who will become the next council leader. The Hartlepool Labour Group is the majority group in the council, with 18 members.
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