The Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council has been removed and replaced after a cabinet "reshuffle".
Councillor Michael Mordey, who has been Deputy Leader of the Council since March 2018, will be replaced by cabinet secretary Cllr Paul Stewart following a reshuffle of the council's cabinet.
Sunderland’s Labour Group confirmed the news on Monday (August 24), saying Cllr Stewart will take up the role as an "interim measure".
He will now serve as second in command to council leader Cllr Graeme Miller.
Chairman of Sunderland’s Labour Group, Cllr Phil Tye, said: "I can confirm that Michael Mordey is no longer the deputy leader following a reshuffle.
"Cllr Paul Stewart will take up that position until May next year as an interim measure, subject to the Annual General Meeting of the Labour Party in 2021."
Cllr Mordey, who was first elected to serve the Hendon ward in 2008, told SunderlandLive that he would not be commenting on the matter at this stage.
It is not yet known whether Cllr Mordey will continue in any other senior role going forward.
His replacement, Cllr Stewart, was first elected into the Council in May 1990 and currently has the responsibility of Cabinet Secretary within the cabinet.
Council leader Graeme Miller could not be contacted for comment at the time of writing.
