North Tyneside Tories face criticism for walk-out during full council meeting
North Tyneside Council's Conservative Group staged a walk-out last night over "politically motivated" questions to Labour's Mayoral candidate - despite legal and constitutional reassurances the questions were valid.
Following a failed Tory motion to move on from a set of questions from Labour councillors to the party's mayoral candidate Coun Karen Clark, the conservative group abandoned full council last night. The group claimed the questions to Coun Clark were "politically motivated" and a "misuse" of council resources, and an attempt to give the Labour mayoral candidate a platform.
The questions raised to Coun Clark ranged from the NHS, the safety of women and girls, public transport, and the council's poverty intervention fund. In a statement following the walkout, the Tory group stated that while the issues were important they should have been answered either in writing or by the incumbent mayor, Dame Norma Redfearn.
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Shortly before leaving, leader of the group Coun Liam Bones, the Tory candidate for mayor, said: "As a personal clarification, we do not condone this use of council resources and this group will no longer be taking part in this meeting."
After the group left, cabinet member responsible for housing, Coun John Harrison. sought, and was given, legal and constitutional reassurance from local authority officers the questions had been approved as valid and were not otherwise inappropriate. It is said to be a matter for the mayor to decide whether they decide to answer questions directed to them or have cabinet members answer.
In a statement following the walk-out, a Labour spokesperson said: "North Tyneside Tories have shown the contempt they have for areas of huge importance to the borough. Pathetically walking out before important questions on the poverty intervention fund, the NHS, care leavers, hate crimes, and safety of women and girls on public transport could be heard.
"The Tories aren't serious about governing North Tyneside, all they're interested in is petty political stunts."
Dame Norma Redfearn said: "I am absolutely flabbergasted by what happened this evening to be quite honest. I know the pursuit of power brings out the worst in power but what we witnessed tonight is absolutely dreadful."