A tearful councillor has taken a swipe at the South Tyneside Labour party, as she announced her decision to stand down at next month's local elections.
Councillor Angela Hamilton uploaded a video to social media announcing her decision to step down, saying she could no longer "do the absolute best" for her constituents given the "internal party wrangling".
The Beacon and Bents ward councillor clashed with local party chiefs several times since her election in 2018 and resigned from the Labour group last year.
Read more: South Tyneside councillor quits Labour group she says 'refused her access to key information'
Coun Hamilton, in the video posted online, said: "I've always done my best to stand up and speak out on behalf of the residents in the area.
"But that hasn't always made me the most popular councillor with the ruling administration.
"In September last year, I had to cut all ties with the labour group in South Tyneside, because I no longer felt that I could be associated with them."
She added: "Since then, I've been considering whether I would stand again as a councillor. I'm still a member of the Labour Party, but wouldn't be allowed to stand as a Labour councillor because the Labour group in South Tyneside wouldn't allow that.
"It hasn't been an easy decision, but I think the residents have begun and deserve councillors who can work together. Not one who is treated as an outsider by the group that she is supposed to be part of.
"I think for that reason, it's important that you get the opportunity to choose a councillor who can do the absolute best for you without being distracted by internal party wrangling."
South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck posted a message of support in response to the clip, she said: "Hold your head high Angela.
"You are everything a public servant should be. You have served the people of Beacon and Bents exceptionally well.
"I know many of them and our local businesses are very sad to see you leaving office."
The South Tyneside Council Labour Group have been contacted for comment.
