Councillor makes 'brave decision' to quit Labour

Nicola Jenkins will continue as an independent councillor for Bretton

A Labour politician has quit as one of the party's city councillors over what she called "restrictive conditions".

Nicola Jenkins, who was elected to the Bretton ward on Peterborough City Council in the May 2024 elections, said she would continue her role as an Independent.

Speaking to the BBC, Jenkins said: "I haven't always agreed with all the decisions they [Labour group] have made. I felt like I couldn't speak up without going against the party line."

Labour group leader for Peterborough, councillor Dennis Jones, said the decision was "deeply disappointing".

Jenkins said her decision to leave the party was "a brave and a difficult one" for her.

"It was the right thing to do," she said.

'Challenging'

In a statement, Jenkins said: "My constituents come to me with problems. I go back to council and speak to colleagues about it and I am told there is nothing we can do.

"It became challenging to follow a party line - both locally and nationally - that prioritises political narratives over the best interest of the ward and Peterborough as a whole. I feel I can no longer continue under such restrictive conditions.

"I look forward to continuing work with residents, community groups and ward councillors, to ensure voices of the people are heard and acted upon - without compromise."

She said since posting about her decision, she had received a lot of support, for which she was "grateful".

Jenkins is the third Labour councillor to leave the group since last year's elections.

Daisy Blakemore-Creedon left the group in May.

She became one of the country's youngest councillors at 18 when she was elected for the Fletton and Woodston ward.

Amjad Iqbal, former deputy leader for the Labour group in Peterborough, also resigned from his role last August. He was re-elected for the Central ward in May 2024.

Both have continued as independents.

Labour still remains the biggest party on Peterborough City Council with 16 councillors.

Conservatives and Peterborough First have 11 members; there are nine independents, eight Liberal Democrats and there are five Green councillors.

Jones added: "Whilst it is deeply disappointing Nicola has chosen to resign, the PCC Labour group will continue to work hard to deliver for local residents as we always have."