Norwich Labour councillors quit the party - citing local and national concerns
It means Labour no longer has majority control of Norwich City Council
Five Labour city and county councillors have quit the party in a dramatic move that has left Norwich City Hall without a majority group.
Four city and one county councillors have quit Labour and say they will now stand as Independents instead.
They blame local and national concerns for their decision.
It means Labour no longer has majority control of Norwich City Council.
It does still remain the largest group in the council though.
The members that quit are Emma Corlett, deputy Labour group leader at Norfolk County Council, Cate Oliver - a cabinet member for Wellbeing and culture at City Hall, Karen Davis, Rachel Everett and Ian Stutely.
Ms Davis previously stood as the party’s candidate for Norwich North.
All, except Rachel Everett, are members for the Town Close area.
Ms Everett is the councillor for Lakenham.
In a statement, the Town Close members said: “After long and careful consideration we have made the heartbreaking decision to leave the Labour Party and become Independent councillors.
“There are many reasons, but in essence we no longer consider the current national and local Labour Party matches the overriding principles that guide our work as Town Close councillors.
“We will relentlessly focus on standing up for Town Close residents and our work in the community that makes a difference.
“We will be making no further comment at this time.”
The move came as a surprise, but does follow a series of resignations by Labour councillors across the country, largely in response to the party’s refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.
Before this evening Labour held 23 seats on the city council, whilst the Green Party had 13 seats and the Liberal Democrats three.
The make-up is now Labour 19, Greens 13, Independents four, and Liberal Democrats three.
Steve Morphew leader of the Labour group at County Hall said Ms Corlett’s departure was disappointing but stressed her dispute was not with the county group.
He said: “We will continue to work hard for the interest of Norfolk with or without Emma.”