A Labour councillor has been suspended and stood down from her cabinet position after ‘allegations of bullying’.
It has been revealed that Coun Jan Jackson, who represents Stalybridge North ward on Tameside council, has been suspended by the national party while an investigation is carried out. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the suspension relates to a complaint about bullying from another Labour councillor.
Speaking at full council on Tuesday night, Labour council leader Ged Cooney said that Coun Jackson could no longer continue as cabinet member for planning, transport and connectivity – a position which she was appointed to in May – because of ‘personal matters’.
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However Tory opposition councillor Liam Billington, who represents Stalybridge South, told members: “I think most of us will be aware that that is down to the allegations of bullying.” In response, chair of council business Coun Joe Kitchen said: “That is totally out of order Councillor Billington.”
Coun Jackson, who has been an elected Labour member for more than ten years after first being elected in 2012, did not attend the full council meeting. When contacted directly about her suspension, Coun Jackson said she was unwell, before adding: “I refuse to comment.” She then put the phone down.
During the meeting Coun Cooney told members that he has ‘every faith in every single councillor on this council’.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party does not comment on internal party matters and all complaints are investigated in line with our rules and procedures.”
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