A long-serving Liverpool Labour Councillor claims he is a victim of a "purge" of Jeremy Corbyn supporters after he was blocked from standing for the party again.
Cllr Gerard Woodhouse, who has represented the County ward in north Liverpool since 2010, has lost an appeal against a decision made late last year to block him from standing again as a Labour Councillor in May's local elections.
Cllr Woodhouse is well known around the city for his work running the L6 Community Centre in Everton, which operates a foodbank and provides other essentials to families living in some of the most deprived communities in the city and country.
READ MORE: The 'Otterspool Tower' planned to be taller than the Eiffel Tower
Liverpool's Labour group is currently selecting candidates ahead of all out elections in May, where every council seat will be up for grabs. The process is being led by former party director Sheila Murphy, who was brought in by the national party in 2021 to oversee improvements in a ruling group found to be rife with "bullying, misogyny and a toxic culture" after a party investigation.
In a lengthy social media post, Cllr Woodhouse responded to news of his appeal being blocked with a wide-ranging attack on the Labour Party, Ms Murphy, his council colleagues and the government commissioners currently in place at the troubled city council. he said he believes he has been targeted for his support of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
He said: "After serving the Labour Party loyally for 14 years as a County Ward Councillor I am hugely disappointed but not surprised to have not been reselected to stand for County Ward. I am saddened that this clear purge of members who were Jeremy Corbyn supporters and who are on the left of the party, especially those speaking out against decisions being made, this is taking place and watched by colleagues who are afraid to speak out both locally and nationally."
He said it was "ironic" Ms Murphy was leading the selection process, as she previously quit the Labour Party in 2019 and said she would be voting for and supporting the breakaway Independent Group of former Labour MPs.
On his own time in office, Cllr Woodhouse added: "My commitment has always been to the residents of County Ward and to my city and to those most affected by austerity and this government's cuts to benefits and services. I believe I have served County Ward and its people well fighting on their behalf. In addition I set up the L6 Centre in Everton, helping those suffering poverty and the direct impact of austerity.
"The thousands of families and individuals helped come from across the city and were helped with food and clothing, in particular helping mums and infants with baby food, clothing, school uniforms and financial support. The centre is a huge success and has been featured on The One Show, Sky News and the BBC as a model of community support."
Taking aim at the wider party and the Liverpool Labour group in the council, he added: "I have watched the Labour Party being led by people from outside who have no moral compass, scruples, principles or any of the values established in the Labour Party."
"The council remains muted while Tory commissioners charging over £2 million a year preside and have allowed shocking decisions like the £16 million energy bill forced on residents and the millions that schools will have to find to pay extra energy costs.
"These mistakes were made while commissioners have been here for 18 months. The commissioners are deciding policy and against the democratic mandate given to councillors to protect jobs and services."
Responding to Cllr Woodhouse's comments, a Labour spokesman said: "We’ve implemented a rigorous process to select candidates ahead of the all-out elections in May. This now includes a tough interview to ensure we are putting forward our strongest people. On this occasion, Gerard did not pass his interview, but the party thanks him for his service. We intend to put forward candidates with a wide range of experience - and from all sections of our party - as we continue the fight against Tory austerity which is doing so much to hold back our city."
Cllr Woodhouse said he will now consider his options and thanked supporters from across the city.
Horrified mum 'can't stop crying' after Turkey teeth nightmare
Teenage gunman 'sparked open gang warfare on streets of Liverpool'
Footage shows terrifying moment lifeguards attempt major River Mersey rescue
Luxury train ride taking Liverpool passengers on swanky journey with seven course meal
