Sandwell councillors suspended by Labour Party as borough's political crisis deepens
Two senior councillors in Sandwell have been suspended by the Labour Party.
Councillor Joanne Hadley, cabinet member for safer communities who represents Great Bridge ward, has been suspended following allegations of racism, the Express & Star understands.
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.
The Labour Party is yet to give an official reason for the suspensions, which have plunged the crisis hit authority into further turmoil.
Councillor Jones told the Express & Star that councillors "aren't able to comment on Labour Party business". Councillor Hadley has not responded to requests for a comment.
Last month it was revealed a complaint had been made to Labour officials accusing Councillor Hadley of making racist comments in a private conversation.
She has denied the allegations and claims the recordings were doctored.
Sandwell Council is currently on its fourth leader since February 2019, with Maria Crompton taking over this July on an interim basis after Yvonne Davies stood down.
