Newcastle Council Leader Survives Second No Confidence Vote Amid Governance Criticism

Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, survived a second vote of no confidence, with the motion brought by Independent councillor Marc Donnelly defeated after Liberal Democrat councillors abstained. The council has been without overall control since Nick Kemp and five others left Labour to become independents, creating uncertainty and challenges for Kilgour's administration. This second attempt to remove Kilgour, who became the first woman to lead the council, followed a previous no-confidence vote in December 2024, which was also unsuccessful. The opposition criticizes the administration for failing to secure support for a renewed council plan and for controversies involving a waste incinerator contract and offensive remarks. Kilgour's deputy, Alex Hay, emphasized that the council is focused on governance despite opposition tactics. The Liberal Democrats, largest opposition group, did not support the motion and their leader indicated that any leadership change should come through elections, not internal votes.