Councillor resigns from Labour over Corbyn and Brexit

A Brighton and Hove city councillor serving Hollingdean and Stanmer will now serve as an independent, after quitting the Labour Party.
Michael Inkpin-Leissner, councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer ward on Brighton and Hove City CouncilMichael Inkpin-Leissner, councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer ward on Brighton and Hove City Council
Michael Inkpin-Leissner, councillor for Hollingdean and Stanmer ward on Brighton and Hove City Council

Cllr Michael Inkpin-Leissner announced the news yesterday (March 20), and said: “After a long struggle with my conscience and conversations I have made up my mind and decided.”

The former Labour councillor is a Remain supporter, but a critic of the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cllr Warren Morgan, leader of the Labour Group and the council, said: “I would like to thank Michael for his work over the past two years on the council as a member of the Labour and Cooperative Group, in particular as our representative on the Civil Military Partnership Board.

“I understand his feelings with regard to the Party’s position on Europe nationally, and his personal position as a German citizen following the vote on the status of EU nationals in Parliament last week.

“Anyone who resigns from the Labour Party nationally cannot remain a member of the Labour Group locally.

“Our work as an administration remains unaffected and we will continue to focus on getting the basics right, doing our best for vulnerable residents and growing the economy so that everyone benefits.”

Cllr Morgan later tweeted: “Sorry to lose a colleague but understand his reasons.”