Nick Kemp will remain Newcastle’s council leader, after a challenge to his rule was dropped.
The Byker councillor’s position had been under threat, amid a long-running internal struggle for control within the city’s Labour Party. Rival Ged Bell had mounted a leadership challenge against Coun Kemp and a vote among councillors was due to be held on Tuesday evening.
But the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal that Coun Bell has withdrawn from the race – meaning the council leader will continue unopposed for a second year in charge at the civic centre. Coun Kemp, who saw Labour’s majority on Newcastle City Council cut by three at last week’s local elections, had called the challenge against him “remarkably disappointing” just a year into his tenure.
