Newcastle City Council Leader resigns

Cllr Nick Kemp has resigned from his position with immediate effect amid a row over bullying.

The Labour Leader will be replaced on an interim basis by his deputy Karen Kilgour.

The resignation follows on from an accusation of bullying from city council officer, director of investment and growth, Michelle Percy.

Cllr Kemp, who is on a leave of absence due to ill health, will remain in his position as a councillor for Byker ward, where he has served since 2002.

The council was vague about when the next Leader will be appointed, simply stating it will happen “at a future meeting of full Council”, the next of which is scheduled for 2 October.

In a short statement, deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said: “I would like to thank Cllr Kemp for all his hard work during his time as Leader of Council. We will not be commenting further while there is an ongoing council process.”