Labour rift as councillor leaves party

THE leader of City of York Council has launched a stinging attack on a councillor who left the Labour Party in a row over funding cuts.

Coun Lynn Jeffries, who is a well-known campaigner for disability rights, resigned from the group on Wednesday following a dispute over cuts to social care affecting nearly 200 vulnerable adults.

After her announcement at a party meeting, council leader James Alexander said: “Some people are not fully aware what the role of a councillor is like until they are elected and are not cut out for it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Some find it difficult being part of a team, having a debate, losing a vote and coping with not getting their own way.”

Coun Jeffries had spoken out at the corporate and scrutiny management committee meeting last week which examined the Labour administration’s consultation on the plans following complaints by other councillors.

She is now listed as an Independent councillor for her Westfield seat, which was held by the Liberal Democrats until 2011.

Coun Jeffries, who has not ruled out defecting to the Lib Dems, last night defended herself against what she described as a “childish” attack from Coun Alexander.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“You can only compromise your integrity so far, then you’ve got to stand up for your principles,” she said.

“I’m not pleased to have had to have done it, but I didn’t really see another way of doing things. I couldn’t sit there any longer.”