Labour Loses Majority on Newcastle Council

Nick Kemp, the former leader of Newcastle City Council, has resigned from the Labour Party along with five other councillors, leading to the loss of the party's majority on the council. The councillors, now sitting as independents, include Marion Williams, John Stokel-Walker, and the Wood family (David, Margaret, and Stevie). This shift leaves Labour with 39 out of 78 seats, resulting in a situation of 'no overall control,' though it remains the largest party. The resignations were prompted by a bullying complaint against Kemp, which he denies. A Labour spokesperson has called for the resigning councillors to step down completely and trigger by-elections, as they were elected as Labour representatives. Despite the political upheaval, a council spokesperson confirmed that the cabinet leadership remains unchanged and council operations will continue as normal.