A Labour councillor in Newcastle has spoken out over allegations of bullying and claims of “thug” behaviour in the party.
John-Paul Stephenson, who represents Heaton, has claimed that he has both witnessed and been subjected to bullying during his time on the city council and says that “underhand forces are at play” within Newcastle Labour. In a letter to the Chronicle penned ahead of the end of his term as a councillor and the May 4 local elections, Coun Stephenson accused fellow party members of trying to “deliberately embarrass their victim”.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands he has made a number of complaints regarding bullying accusations over recent years and that concerns have been raised by others within Newcastle’s ruling party. A Labour spokesman said the party took all allegations of bullying seriously, but did not comment specifically on Coun Stephenson’s accusations.
Read More: Political rivals prepare for Newcastle election showdown as Labour leadership battle reignites
Writing following the resignation of Dominic Raab as deputy prime minister amid a bullying inquiry that found the Conservative MP had acted in an “intimidating” manner toward civil servants, Coun Stephenson said: “As my time as a city councillor, some of which was serving in the cabinet, draws to a close, I reflect that I never thought it acceptable to communicate with officers with anything less than mutual respect. Although it’s good to see Raab leave Government following the investigation into his bullying behaviour, I’m saddened that his ‘resignation’ letter shows how bullies justify and get away with it.
“It’s happened to me, and I’ve seen it happen to others. Sometimes, they coordinated their behaviour (via WhatsApp) to deliberately embarrass their victim. The same group of hypocrites spoke in the council chamber about the importance of mental wellbeing, while consciously inflicting upset and anxiety, or sitting back and condoning it.
“As a new Labour Party member in Newcastle, I was yelled at for having the audacity to defend someone who wasn’t there. Half the room was shocked; the other half knew what was going on. The same underhand forces are at play at branch level – making meetings so unpleasant that the decent people members (who are the majority) don’t want to be there.
“Toxic masculinity permits some to argue 'that’s how it is'. We cannot allow bullies to dictate the difference between bullying and ‘expressing forthright’ views. Bullies need to be told they are bullies and it’s not okay. It is possible to communicate without behaving like a thug.”
Coun Stephenson has represented Heaton since 2016 but is not standing at this year’s local elections, which are being held on Thursday. He served as a member of Newcastle City Council’s cabinet during Nick Forbes’ administration, but stepped back from the top team after Nick Kemp took over as leader in 2022.
A Labour spokesperson said: “The Labour Party does not comment on individual cases. All allegations of bullying are taken seriously and investigated in line with our policies and procedures.”
Asked if he would be quitting the party in light of his allegations, Coun Stephenson said he believed that Labour “remains the best option to tackle inequalities, locally and nationally”. He added: “If those of us who speak out against bullying are not supported, then I’m not sure I will be welcome in the party.”
Read Next:
- Newcastle City Council local elections 2023: All the candidates, big issues, and seats to watch
- 'It has been a lifesaver' – How a Newcastle foodbank has become vital for Geordie families
- Ukrainian refugees in Newcastle left homeless as council warns of 'horrifying' housing crisis
- Nick Kemp challenged for Newcastle City Council leadership as Labour power struggle takes another twist
- West End Foodbank reports busiest month in 10-year history amid city's 'staggering' need for help
