A Sefton Labour councillor who resigned his seat after 28 years has addressed rumours he was “forced out” amid a row over playing fields.
Sefton Council confirmed long-serving Netherton and Orrell councillor Robert Brennan resigned his seat as Labour councillor last week, paving the way for a by-election in the ward, which is also represented by council leader cllr Ian Maher.
In a Facebook post in a local group at the weekend which referred to the councillor’s resignation, comments were made about the circumstances of Mr Brennan’s departure.
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This included remarks from independent cllr John Sayers, a former Labour party member, who said: “It is disgraceful the way Bobby has been treated, he is a good Cllr.”
Other comments linked the councillor’s departure with his willingness to engage with members of the Save Orrell Mount Park campaign group, while another said they thought he had been “forced out.”
Addressing the rumours surrounding his departure Mr Brennan told the ECHO he was “not forced out” but had “become weary” after decades in local politics.
Mr Brennan said: “I had informed the Labour group that I was resigning as I had after 28 years become weary and wanted to spend more time with my wife.”
He added: “I know that people are assuming I was forced out by the Labour group over my support for Orrell Mount but it was my decision to stand down I certainly wasn’t forced out.”
Speaking of his fellow ward councillor’s departure, leader of Sefton Council cllr Ian Maher told the ECHO: “Bobby has been a fellow ward councillor and colleague for many years and, having decided to step down, will be missed by myself and within both Netherton & Orrell Ward and Sefton Council.
“He has worked hard for local residents in the Ward during his time as a Councillor and fulfilled his Council duties to the highest standard.”
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