‘Internal Labour Party politics’ was behind the decision to remove the second most senior leader on Wearside, Sunderland’s top councillor has said.
Last week (Friday, August 21) bosses at Sunderland City Council confirmed deputy leader Michael Mordey had been removed as number two overseeing the local authority.
And following speculation over the move city chiefs have broken their silence.
“The decision to remove Michael as deputy leader was my decision,” said council leader Graeme Miller.
“It is internal Labour Party politics, I will not be discussing that with anyone and that is where it will stay.”
Despite having been removed from the council’s deputy leadership, which last year (2019/20) entitled him to a special responsibility allowance worth more than £25,000, Cllr Mordey remains deputy leader of the Labour Party group of city councillors.
The opportunity to challenge him for the party political role in a vote had been due to go before Labour councillors in May, but was postponed until next year (2021) due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which also saw planned local elections cancelled.
Cllr Miller also refused to commit to whether or not he would endorse an alternative candidate for the deputy role when the time came.
Last week’s move saw Cllr Mordey replaced as deputy leader of the council by serving cabinet secretary Paul Stewart, a city councillor since 1990.
Cllr Mordey’s previous responsibilities have been split among the remaining members of the ruling cabinet.
There has been speculation on social media as to the reason behind Cllr Miller’s decision to remove his deputy.
But the leader insisted any behind-the-scenes debates would not impact the smooth running of the city.
He added: “Residents of the city shouldn’t be concerned at all, we’re running the council well, people can see we’re bringing in positive change for the city.
“Politics is a business which comes and goes, the Labour Party group is 50-odd councillors and there can and always will be disagreements within that group, but it has no impact on how we run the city.”
When approached for comment, Cllr Michael Mordey said: “It’s a matter for internal party politics at the moment and it is still in process.”Asked if he would continue as deputy party leader up to next May (2021) and beyond, he added: “We will have to see what events happen in the next couple of weeks.”
