Another Liverpool Labour councillor has been blocked from standing for the party again after being named in the ECHO's parking investigation.
Earlier today it was confirmed that Cllr Ann O'Byrne will quit Liverpool City Council after she was named as a central figure in the ECHO's 16-month probe which uncovered an "unacceptable culture" of parking tickets being rescinded for elected members at Liverpool Council without using formal processes.
Our report showed that between 2015 and 2020, former Deputy Mayor Cllr O'Byrne had 17 tickets cancelled by officers - the most of any of those named in our report. She released a statement on social media last night stating she will leave the council when her current term ends in May.
READ MORE: 14 Liverpool politicians named in council parking probe and their explanations
Her statement came after Labour party officials called all the party's councillors named in our investigation in for fresh interviews yesterday.
The ECHO understands that following those interviews, fellow Labour councillor Barry Kushner has been informed by the party that he will no longer be selected as a candidate in May's elections. Cllr Kushner was named as having the second highest number of parking tickets rescinded in our investigation, with seven fines scrapped by officers between 2015 and 2020.
The Norris Green member has served as a Labour councillor in Liverpool since 2012 and previously held a number of cabinet positions. He is currently the chair of the council's influential finance committee.
The ECHO understands that Cllr Kushner was informed of Labour's decision late last night and is currently considering his options. He has around a week to appeal the decision if he wishes.
Away from Labour, the Liverpool Community Independents have already suspended their leader, Cllr Anna Rothery - a former Labour councillor - after she was named in our report. Cllr Joanne Calvert - another ex-Labour member named - has quit the independents group in the wake of the investigation.
The ECHO understands the Labour Party is not taking action against any other councillors named in our investigation at this stage.
Liverpool Council's opposition leader, Lib Dem chief Cllr Richard Kemp said today's news was a case of "chickens coming home to roost."
But he criticised Labour for how it has handled the situation, adding: “Whilst this might appear that Labour is doing the right thing, we should note that Labour have done everything in their power to stop this information coming out. I first raised this officially 18 months ago and the Liverpool Echo had to struggle time and again over 16 months to get their FOI answered which revealed that in fact 14 Labour members have dodged the payment of their fines
"Any suggestion that Labour knows how to behave properly should be weighed against the fact that they are acting now in a panic because their suppression failed and people are appalled at their behaviour."
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