Northern Mayor Jamie Driscoll's campaign manager has been kicked out of the Labour Party over links to a Marxist group, the Mirror understands.
Tony Pierre, hired by the North of Tyne Mayor just a few months ago, was found to have been a member of Socialist Appeal - an openly communist organisation banned under Labour's rules. It is not clear whether he continues in his role.
Northumberland councillor Holly Waddell, another figure said to be close to Mr Driscoll, has also been expelled by Labour for the same reason.
