The suspension of Mr Jones is significant for the Sandwell Conservatives due to his role as chairman. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. Thanet Council leader quit after being accused of 'series of failures'. Sandwell councillor suspended by Labour over support for rival "They'll sell Sandwell people down the river to protect their friends A party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of racism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.". VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules, What Europe's royals could teach King Charles. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that one message abused the grieving friends of murder victim Sarah Everard, with further derogatory comments made about Ms Rayner and a Muslim woman whose hijab was mocked. I was suspended from the party in July last year having served as the Leader of Sandwell Council from May 2019. A former deputy council leader "interfered" in parking tickets issued to members of his family, a lawyer has found. Councillors by Party | Sandwell Council Councillor Yvonne Davies was suspended by the Labour Party over the allegations. His suspension is believed to have followed a series of posts he made which the party says "may reasonably be seen to involve anti-Semitic actions, stereotypes and sentiments". Gulshan Tabassum is expected to take her place, making way for Councillor Eaves to stand in Princes End. An email sent to all councillors in Sandwell from the local party chair on Monday, seen by the BBC, said two of their number had been suspended - one of whom is understood to be Ms Hadley, BBC Radio WM political reporter Rob Mayor said. She also claimed millions of pounds had been spent "with little regard to the public purse". I have been here for over half a century. She accused party members of leaking "these matters to the press" adding that she wished she "could have apologisedfor my historic mis-judgement".. "The successes of Sandwell Council and needs of the community are taking second place to internal Labour Party squabbling," he added. Jeers can be heard in video following the incident and alleged that the incident was 'assault' and calling for the councillor to be suspended. Mr Saunders, 63, could be heard in the video saying to councillors: "Back to the future? 5. Connor Jones, the former chairman of Sandwell Conservatives, pictured in May 2022. The council confirmed the incident took place on council property. He declined to comment. A Labour Party spokesman said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.". ", Separately our source went on to claim: I believe Mr Jones wanted to control and label every little thing. Julian Saunders, who blogs as Sandwell Skidder, was outside Oldbury Council House on Tuesday filming elected members ahead of a full council meeting when the incident happened. READ MORE:Sandwell's Conservative leader urged to resign over 'distasteful' social media posts. a complaint had been made to Labour officials accusing Councillor Hadley of making racist comments in a private conversation. VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules, What Europe's royals could teach King Charles. More cronyism? And Tipton ward councillor Ian Jones, a former cabinet member who has been a councillor for 22 years, has also been suspended by Sir Keir Starmer's party. Councillor Mohammed Yaseen Hussain, who is known as Billa, became the third Sandwell councillor to be suspended by Sir Keir Starmer's party in September. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Conservative MP James Morris - who has long called for Mr Eling's resignation - said his leadership were the council's "darkest days". Mr Jones has vehemently denied the claims. I have never been anti-Semitic. Senior reporter at the Express & Star. Ward: Great Barr with Yew Tree Party: Conservative Party Zahoor Ahmed . Mr Goudie said publication of the Gowling report was "strongly in the public interest". VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line. The council has suspended garden waste collections to allow remaining staff to focus on domestic waste and recycling bins. "Sandwell Conservatives does not condone any racism, misogynistic or offensive comments and will continue to work with community groups to ensure that everybody has a home in the Conservative Party," group chairman Connor Jones said. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Sandwell Council leader steps down after party suspension Councillor Joanne Hadley, cabinet member for safer communities who represents Great Bridge ward, has been suspended following allegations of racism, the Express & Star understands. Get Midlands politics news and analysis direct to your inbox with the Midlands Message newsletter. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top stories sent directly to you. In a statement, Mr Kalari said he would be seeking legal advice as well as contacting police and Twitter. Deputy Leader Syeda Khatun will assume Mr Eling's responsibilities before a formal election on 5 March. I lost all faith in the Conservative party.. Responsible for local and national political stories, opinion, comment and analysis. More incompetence? Mr Khan told the Express & Star he was trying to highlight to political turmoil in the Middle East, in particular "Israel's bombing of Palestine". Breaking: 'Labour has not served people or protected - SKWAWKBOX He said he could not comment now as the contents of the report were "confidential". A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed the force was investigating but so far nobody has been arrested. Councillor Steve Eling said he does not know the details of the complaint against him. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Police told him in November 2015 he would face no action. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. He was suspended from the party in January for allegedly posting sexist tweets. Indian officials wife distraught as his killer is freed, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. A parallel police investigation ended in March with no further action. The authority commissioned law firm Gowling WLG to investigate alleged irregularities in the sale of the authority's former properties from 2011-2013. Councillor Edwards, who in 2019 was the subject of a formal complaint over claims he had posted anti-Semitic tweets, was the council's longest serving member having been first elected in 1978. Yvonne Davies resigned at the cabinet meeting. Strike - Bin men in Sandwell take action as collections suspended Mr Hafeez, who was arrested last year, provided no evidence to the council's solicitors despite requests, the QC wrote. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The BBC has asked whether she remains on the council's cabinet but has not yet had a response. MORE: Suspended Labour councillor could stand for Tories. The next leader was then Yvonne Davies, who won a narrow leadership election in May 2019. Sandwell Council leader resigns after being suspended by Labour Party In the video, Mr Saunders, was calling out to councillors as they walked into the building, stating: "Councillors, back to the future? Councillors by Name | Sandwell Council The council's Tory group will instead be led by Archer Williams. Other deselected councillors are Oldbury's Susan Downing, who was first elected in 2004, and Sharon Davies, who has been in Langley since 2012. In a Sandwell Council Cabinet meeting this afternoon she stood down as council leader, aiming a broadside. Subscribe to one or all notification sources from this one place. Latest news | Sandwell Council Suspended Eling and ally still shown as Labour councillors - why a She added that the council faced two choices "a return to the white, male old guard who pay lip service to equality or Black Lives Matter, but will seek ultimately to preserve their own power base" or embracing a new future of "transparency, integrity and fighting against prejudice". The sale of three former council-owned public conveniences for 35,000 to a friend of Mr Hussain, two days after a district valuer said they were worth 130,000, Mr Hussain and Mr Jones both "agreed to ignore" the valuation, said the QC. 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'Knifed in the back' - Leader to be forced out of Sandwell Council job A blogger. The BBC has approached Ms Hadley for a response. All of the councillors are understood to have been supporters of former council leader Steve Eling, an ally of Tom Watson. Sandwell councillor suspended from Labour party over alleged assault Mr Khan is the complainant in the case against Councillor Hadley, where he alleged she made racist remarks during a private phone call. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Mr Hussain has been suspended afresh, the party confirmed. Senior Multi-Media Journalist@JamieB_Star. annual survey, First look at Malvern beauty spot hotel's new spring menu with Indian fusion off M5, Chef Anuj Thakur, pal of Birmingham's Aktar Islam, doing British-Asian fusion food and Coronation Afternoon Tea, 10 Midland campsites that are loved by campers and caravanners, These are the sites with petting animals, play areas, stunning views, dog walking areas, great hiking routes and nearby pubs, Sister sprayed brother with chili and vinegar concoction in long-running family feud, She attacked him after a chance meeting in the street and then tried to spray him again, hoping he would be peering through his letterbox, 12 amazing Birmingham street food vendors you need to visit this summer, We're lucky to have a number of quality street food locations in the city, we've picked out 12 of the best that you can tuck into right now, Celebrity deaths 2023 all the stars who have died in April, Barry Humphries, Len Goodman and S Club 7's Paul Cattermole are among those who died this month, Attractions hosting King's Coronation events around Birmingham and the West Midlands, Special Coronation events taking place at Cadbury World, Drayton Manor, Sarehole Mill, Legoland, Severn Valley Railway and more, Major GP changes which will start this month, New rules have been laid down by NHS England - here's the key date and what it will mean when you phone up to see a doctor, Grass won't be mowed for a month in four Birmingham neighbourhoods, The council pilot will be rolled out in four city wards - and it could transform how parts of the city look, 'I would prefer' - Manchester United man Bruno Fernandes responds to Aston Villa critics, The latest Aston Villa news and views from BirminghamLive as Bruno Fernandes reacts to stick from Aston Villa fans, How to have a historic day out in Warwick without paying to get into the castle, The Castle is wonderful, but there are much less expensive things you can do to scratch that history itch too, AA slams city's latest on-street parking price rises as top rate races past 10, City centre visitors who want to park inside Birmingham's Inner Zone will have to fork out more than 10 for the first time if they want to stay for up to four hours maximum. Labour holds 62 of the 72 seats, while six vacant seats were all previously Labour held. Mr Kalari's statement explained: "It has recently come to my attention that a number of historic tweets have come to light, claiming to have originated from my Twitter account. More cronyism? Contact me at jamie.brassington@expressandstar.co.uk. The council has been contacted for comment. Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Julian Saunders, 63, was outside Oldbury Council House last night (December 7) filming elected members ahead of a full council meeting. The Labour Party said it takes all complaints of anti-Semitism "extremely seriously". 2. The Labour leader of Sandwell council has stepped down from his role rather than face a vote of no confidence in March. Read about our approach to external linking. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. PDF Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council There are three independent councillors and one for the Brexit Party. Sandwell council CEO's no-pay-off departure raises - SKWAWKBOX It detailed a further two councillors had been placed under investigation, but it is not clear what for. Councillor Giles defended her record and said she did her casework "through council officers". Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Connor Jones, the chairman for Sandwell Conservatives, was suspended on June 3 following complaints from several councillors over his conduct. Ward: Rowley Party: Labour Party Kacey Akpoteni. Sandwell is the heartland of the Labour right, which lost control of the borough during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the party, amid a slew of allegations of corruption as well as sexual harassment and sleaze. Laured Kalari (left) has been suspended as leader of the Conservative party in Sandwell. One post from August 2014 shows a cartoon image featuring a man with a Star of David symbol on his sleeve chopping up a small child.