Newcastle’s council leader says it is “remarkably disappointing” to face a challenge to his position after just a year – with his deputy now also hit with an internal Labour battle.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed last week how Nick Kemp will be forced to contest a leadership election with Kenton councillor Ged Bell, the latest in a series of party dramas over recent years. And, as voters went to the polls on local election day on Thursday, it emerged that a second challenge to Newcastle City Council’s top duo is also brewing.
Labour’s deputy council leader Karen Kilgour is now in a contest to retain her job against Clare Penny-Evans, who was narrowly beaten to the leadership position by Coun Kemp last year. Votes on both positions are due to be held next week at the council’s Labour group annual general meeting on Tuesday, May 9.
