Newcastle’s council leader has spoken out after surviving a challenge to his position, amid a party split that has seen his long-serving deputy ousted.
Nick Forbes secured a 15th year at the head of Newcastle Labour on Monday night, seeing off rival Nick Kemp in a leadership contest.
The council leader retained his position by a margin of 30 votes to 22 at a meeting of the city council’s ruling Labour group, meaning that more than 40% of Labour councillors backed removing him.
But his deputy, Joyce McCarty, was defeated – with West Fenham councillor Karen Kilgour, an ally of Coun Kemp, replacing her.
Coun Forbes, who sits in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet, has now called for the party to unite behind him after his victory.
He said: “We are proud to be a democratic party and as such we hold internal elections for key roles annually.
“I'm delighted to have the confidence and support of my colleagues for the 15th year in a row and, now this contest is over, I look forward to the group uniting behind me as we take on our political opponents.”
Coun Forbes has been leader of the Labour group since 2007 and of the council since 2011, when Labour reclaimed power from the Liberal Democrats.
Throughout that time, Coun McCarty has served as his second in command – so her defeat, with 24 votes compared to Coun Kilgour’s 28, will mean a significant power shift at the top of Newcastle Labour.
The party is also without another of its most prominent figures ahead of an impending cabinet reshuffle, after transport chief Arlene Ainsley lost her seat at last week’s local elections.
Coun McCarty said: “I would like to congratulate Karen and wish her all the best in her new role in supporting the work of the leader of the council. I have enjoyed my time as deputy leader.
“I have spent 14 years as Labour group deputy and 10 years as deputy leader of the council.
“It has been very challenging having to deal with Tory austerity and related central government cuts but, with Nick Forbes’ leadership, I believe we have made great strides as a city under Labour.
“I am pleased that both Newcastle Labour group and the people of the city have given Nick Forbes their support and confidence over the last week. It's time to work together for the good of the city.”
ChronicleLive has attempted to contact both Coun Kemp and Coun Kilgour.
Labour lost two seats in Newcastle at last week’s elections, but retains a substantial majority on the council – with 52 out of 78 seats.
