Councillor says he will not stand down and spark by-election after leaving Hartlepool Labour Party to join new Socialist Labour group
Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher, a former ceremonial mayor who represents the Manor House ward, has cut up his membership card and has announced he is joining the Socialist Labour Party.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut he said his husband Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, who is Labour Group leader on Hartlepool Borough Council, is not quitting the party.
But Coun Akers-Belcher said he will not stand down and added: "Having talked to many residents who I have worked with for over 15 years they support me in not triggering a by-election.
"For 15 years I have represented the ward and current and past ward councillors have worked well as a team.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"If I was to serve as an independent then I could understand the calls to stand in a by election.
"I am overwhelmed by the support I have received and will contest my seat in 2020 as a Socialist Labour Party candidate."
Coun Akers-Belcher also said he disagreed with a statement from the Hartlepool CLP claiming he had become a distraction to the work that the Labour Party is doing to improve Hartlepool, including creating cleaner neighbourhoods.
He said: "In June last year I became the chair of neighbourhood services and I have been responsible for securing extra resources to clean up the town."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHartlepool Borough Council launched a clean-up campaign last year and took on eight new recruits to boost its environmental workforce.