Labour rebels get together to form new political team

NEWCASTLE’S ex-council leader and five other rebel councillors have formed a new political faction.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

A new East End and Associates Independents group has been set up by former council leader Nick Kemp, Marion Williams, John Stokel-Walker, and David, Margaret, and Stevie Wood.

Those six all resigned from Labour last November to become independents and, in doing so, wiped out the party’s majority on the city council.

Rather than all sitting as separate independents, they will now form the third-largest political group on the council - behind Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Coun Williams, who represents the Blakelaw ward, has been designated as the group's leader.