Third councillor quits opposition group MICA

MIDDLESBROUGH Council's main opposition group has been struck by a third departure in the space of three months.

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association (MICA) has seen its membership fall to nine, with Cllr Christine Cooper leaving the group.

Her exit follows the double resignation of Kader ward Councillors Jim and Sharon Platt in May.

Cllr Cooper, who represents Trimdon ward, said that she wanted to go in a different direction and not spend so much time focusing on the past, highlighting one of her priorities as Middlesbrough town centre.

Responding, a statement from the MICA group wished Cllr Cooper well for the future, while Cllr Ian Morrish (a member of the MICA group) said that councillors in their grouping are encouraged to challenge at full council and committee meetings.

Cllr Cooper is no longer aligned with the MICA group, according to the council's website, and is sitting as an independent.

When asked if it was her decision to leave the MICA group, she said: "Definitely."