Labour plays down resignation shock
THE newly-elected leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Labour group has insisted it will not be affected by the resignation of one of its longest-serving members.
Councillor Joan Bell, below, resigned from both the Labour Party and the group on Tuesday – just days after Councillor Mike Barnes won the ballot to become group leader.
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Mrs Bell, aged 62, had been a Labour councillor for 17 years and a party member for 35 years. She is also the current portfolio holder for community safety.
She is now expected to become a Non-Aligned member, rather than switch to a new group. But her resignation means the Labour group is no longer the dominant party on the council, as it is now level with the City Independent Group with 15 members each.
Mrs Bell said: "Since the group's AGM I have had to make a very difficult decision as I found it impossible to work within the new structure.
"I will still support the Labour Party, but I will be a Non-Aligned councillor from now on.
"It is a very emotional time for me at the moment, but I feel I have made the right decision."
Mrs Bell would not comment on the nature of the disagreement with Mr Barnes. But party insiders said the rift between them had been growing for months, and that other members will now be considering their positions.
Mr Barnes said last night that he was saddened by Mrs Bell's departure.
But he said he did not believe that the group is unstable, or that it will affect his bid to become council leader on June 5.
He said: "As far as I'm concerned this doesn't affect my position at all.
"The rest of the Labour group are fully behind any decision that we make as we move forwards. I'm very sad that Joan has taken this decision."
Former Labour group leader, Councillor Joy Garner said: "Joan has a long history with the Labour Party and it's a shame to see someone of her standing leave."
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