A serving county councillor has issued an apology to Blyth Valley MP Ian Levy after sharing a defamatory video.
Coun Kath Nisbet, who represents the Croft Ward in Blyth on Northumberland County Council, follows former Northumberland Labour leader Grant Davey in issuing an apology to the MP over the issue.
Coun Nisbet also confirmed she had paid the MP a sum of money which would be donated to a good cause.
In a statement issued over the weekend, the Labour councillor said: "It has recently come to my attention that I posted a video on Facebook that made false and defamatory statements about Mr Levy relating to his MPs expenses.
"I should have taken greater care and I sincerely apologise to Mr Levy and his family, and his staff for the distress this has caused. I would urge anyone else who has posted this video to remove it as soon as possible.
"As a sign of my contrition, I have paid Mr Levy a sum of money which he is generously donating to a good cause."
It comes just days after former Northumberland Labour leader Grant Davey also apologised for sharing the video. At the time, Mr Levy said he accepted criticism and challenge was part of "political life" but the "damaging false statements" had "crossed a line".
Reacting to Coun Nisbiet's apology, Mr Levy added: "I have received an additional apology regarding the damaging statements which have been shared over recent months.
"This was a very distressing time and I am pleased the false statements have been shown for the untruths they were."
Fifty-six-year-old Mr Levy was elected as Blyth Valley MP in the 2019 election, with a slim majority of just 1.7%. He is the first Conservative to represent the constituency since its creation in 1950.
Earlier this year, he was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Cabinet Office.
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