Senior councillor resigns over 'undermining' officers

A senior councillor has resigned on social media, after accusing the authority's officers of “undermining” the council.

Labour Newcastle City Council member Jane Byrne quit the body's cabinet, saying she could not "trust" staff.

In a now-deleted post, Ms Byrne said she had "had concerns for some months" and it was "not possible for me to remain".

Responding in a joint statement, the council’s leader and chief executive said they had "every confidence” in employees.

Ms Byrne's departure comes after questions were asked in recent weeks about whether there was a bullying or “toxic” culture at the civic centre - amid reports of disagreements between directors and political leadership.

Labour leader Mr Kemp and chief executive Pam Smith said, in a statement: "We have every confidence staff are committed to the council, to delivering the best possible service for residents, and working constructively with elected members."

Both have previously avoided giving direct answers to questions about a "toxic” atmosphere or bullying within the council.

Jane Byrne resigned from her cabinet post on social media

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said it understood Ms Byrne had been asked to leave her position due to a “number of internal issues over the past few months” before she announced her intention to resign on X (formerly Twitter).

Ms Byrne had responsibility for transport, air pollution and net zero in her cabinet portfolio, and represents the city centre Monument ward.

She was appointed to the cabinet after Nick Kemp became council leader in 2022, following the power struggle that surrounded the ousting of former leader Nick Forbes.

Leader of the council' s Liberal Democrat opposition, Colin Ferguson, told the LDRS it was "deeply concerned that there’s trouble at the top". 

“Officers have no right of reply to public statements made by politicians, and this strikes me as a misuse of Councillor Byrne’s public position," he said.

"The leader of council needs to urgently restore public confidence in the functioning of the council.”

Ms Byrne said she had been asked by the Labour group chief whip to delete her post on social media and refrain from further comment.