Councillors demand to see report into bullying

NEWCASTLE politicians who sit on a standards watchdog have called for transparency in a bullying investigation into a former council leader.

- DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

The cross-party group of councillors has called for clarity on the findings of an inquiry into a complaint made against Nick Kemp.

A law firm’s investigation into the accusations by ex-council director Michelle Percy has been handed to local authority officials but councillors are said to have concerns that the full conclusions could be withheld.

There have been questions raised about the culture at the Civic Centre, with an inquiry into its leadership promised once the complaint process is resolved.

Following the bullying complaint against Coun Kemp in September last year, he resigned as council leader and later quit the Labour Party. Ms Percy also left her role as the council's director of investment and growth this summer.