Resignation call for North Tyneside Council chair accused of political bias

North Tyneside Conservatives are demanding the resignation of the borough’s council chair – accusing her of being politically biased in a supposedly ‘non-political’ role.

Eight councillors have written to the chief executive calling for a no-confidence vote in Coun Wendy Lott, describing her conduct as unfair.

The move follows Labour councillor Lott telling campaigners fighting to protect the council’s High Borrans outdoor activities centre from closure to “shut up”, during a council chamber debate last Thursday (September 24).

Coun Lott later apologised, saying her “own frustrations got the better of me”.

Her critics say her outburst betrayed her political bias – claiming she was simply angry with campaigners who were against a closure plan approved by her own party.

The call for a vote of no confidence has also raised concerns about Coun Lott’s handling of opposition councillors and her conduct during several previous council meetings, with Conversatives suggesting she hasn’t acted impartially as is required by her role.

Coun Lewis Bartoli, deputy leader of the Tory group, said: “Residents who attend council meetings deserve courtesy and respect, and elected members must be able to contribute to debate under fair and impartial chairing.

“We hope Coun Lott will do the right thing and resign as chair.”

Coun Bartoli has called for a swift debate: “This cannot wait until November. The chair will continue attending citizenship ceremonies, undertaking civic duties and representing the authority in the meantime.  The chair represents the whole council and the whole community”.

Reform UK North Tyneside had earlier submitted two complaints about Coun Lott’s conduct, after Thursday’s council meeting.

North Tyneside Labour group & Coun Lott reiterated her apology and said they had no comment on the resignation call.