Cabinet member quits over leader bullying row

Alex Hay has quit his cabinet portfolio which included economic development and planning

A councillor has resigned his cabinet position following a complaint about bullying directed at the authority's leader.

On Tuesday it was revealed Newcastle City Council's Labour leader Nick Kemp, who currently on sick leave, was the subject of a complaint made by director of investment and growth Michelle Percy.

Now, councillor Alex Hay has stepped down from his economic development and planning portfolio. He remains a councillor for Kingston Park South and Newbiggin Hall

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the resignation is in support of Ms Percy.

Kemp has yet to comment on the bullying allegations and there has been no announcement from the council on any possible investigation.

The leader is understood to have been given a period of time in which to reply to the accusations before any further steps are taken.

Following Hay's resignation, deputy city council leader Karen Kilgour - who is standing in as acting leader - thanked him for his work.

"He can look back on his time as a cabinet member with a sense of great pride," she said.