Council leader faces bullying accusation

Nick Kemp has served as the Newcastle's Labour leader since 2022

A council leader has been accused of bullying by one of his local authority's most senior directors.

Newcastle City Council's Nick Kemp is the subject of a complaint made by the director of investment and growth, Michelle Percy.

The allegation has come to light after the Labour councillor took an immediate leave of absence last week due to ill health.

Kemp has not responded to requests for comment from the Local Democracy Reporting Service and has also been approached by the BBC.

It is understood the long-serving Byker ward councillor, who has been the city's Labour Party leader since 2022, has a period of time to reply to the allegations before the council determines whether to mount a formal investigation.

During his leave of absence, the leader's duties are being performed by deputy Karen Kilgour.

'Personal animosities'

Kemp has sat on the council since 2002 and succeeded Nick Forbes as leader in 2022.

Having previously served in Forbes' administration, the 55-year-old left the cabinet in 2020 and alleged he had been undermined by "constant sniping" and "personal animosities".

Kemp then rose to power after Forbes was deselected by Labour members in his own ward and has since survived two challenges to his leadership of the city's ruling Labour group.

Ms Percy is part of the civic centre's senior director team and holds responsibility for key areas including transport, planning, economic development and culture.

A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: "All complaints made against members or council officers are dealt with in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Council's Charter.

"We do not comment on individual complaints."

Last year, Councillor Jane Byrne resigned from the cabinet and accused council officers of undermining the authority.

At the same time, there were accusations of a "toxic" culture at the council and reports of disagreements between directors and political leadership.