Labour axe five councillors in female candidates row

From the BBC:

Five Labour councillors, including the former leader of Durham County Council, have been suspended from the party.

Former miner Albert Nugent was one of those caught up in the dispute over failing to have enough women candidates.

Read the full story here.

Liberal Democrat Jonathan Wallace points out:

What has been missed by the BBC in reporting this is that the suspensions have now stripped Labour of their majority on Durham County. Previously with a lead of 8 over the opposition, they are now in a minority of 2.

Make a note of this everyone – for Labour had held Durham County Council since 1919.