A Hartlepool councillor has resigned from the Labour Party after a near 2% rise for council tax bills was approved despite an initial "freeze" pledge by the ruling group.

Councillor Aaron Roy, Hart ward representative on Hartlepool Borough Council, said it has “not been an easy decision but it is one made on principle”.

In a social media statement, he referenced how Labour had previously pledged to freeze council tax – before ultimately proposing a 1.98% rise through the adult social care precept.

The budget, which leading councillors said helps keep “finances stable”, was approved unanimously earlier this month although Cllr Roy was not in attendance.

Hartlepool borough councillor Aaron Roy has resigned from the ruling Labour group.

placeholder image — Hartlepool borough councillor Aaron Roy has resigned from the ruling Labour group.

The now independent councillor said when the planned freeze was announced he had asked to see the financial plan and how it would be delivered – a request he claimed “was ignored”.

He added: “For me, this is not about party politics. It is about honesty and transparency with the people we represent.

“My resignation from the Labour Party is not a resignation from my principles.

“I will continue to serve the residents of Hartlepool, with integrity, accountability and the courage to ask difficult questions when necessary.”

Council leader Cllr Pamela Hargreaves previously said they were not able to freeze the social care precept as a “direct consequence of spiralling children’s social care costs and a national funding system that does not properly reflect the pressures towns like Hartlepool face”.

A Labour spokesperson said: “We thank Cllr Roy for his contribution as a Labour councillor.

“Hartlepool Labour will carry on working hard for Hartlepool residents to deliver real progress and make sure that Hartlepool is on the up.”