Hartlepool councillor steps away from Labour to become independent

Dave Hunter, who represents the town's Burn Valley ward, had been deputy leader of the Labour Group on Hartlepool Borough Council.

His resignation from the group comes just weeks after Labour councillor Ann Johnson resigned from her position for Hart ward at the end of May.

It means Labour now have eight members on the council compared to 19 just two years ago.

Labour councillors Christopher Akers-Belcher, Stephen Akers-Belcher, Marjorie James and Ann Marshall all previously quit the group and now represent the Socialist Labour Party on the council.

Councillor Hunter has so far not commented on the reasons for his decision.

Labour Group Leader Councillor Paddy Brown said: “I would like to thank Dave for all the hard work he has done within the group and the town on a wider basis.

“I wish him well on behalf of myself and the Labour Group.”

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