'Get a grip': Conservative MPs blast Sandwell Labour Group
Councillors in Sandwell have been told to "get their act together" after it is understood two councillors have been suspended and two more - including the council leader - are being investigated by the Labour Party.
Conservative MPs Nicola Richards and Shaun Bailey, who represent West Bromwich East and West Bromwich West, say residents in Sandwell are suffering at the expense of political infighting within the Sandwell Labour Group.
The Express & Star understands that Sandwell's interim leader, Maria Crompton, is under investigation while cabinet member Joanne Hadley has been suspended following allegations of racism.
It also understood Tipton councillor Ian Jones has been suspended and Abbey councillor Bob Piper is under investigation.
It comes after Sandwell's former council leader Yvonne Davies was suspended in July over a number of tweets she sent. In the previous year, the council's former leader Steve Eling was suspended over an undisclosed complaint.
Nicola Richards, West Bromwich East MP, said: "It saddens me that Sandwell Labour councillors continue to let down their communities.
"They are spending more time falling out with each other and offending the communities they represent than doing their actual job.
"When we face so many challenges in across Sandwell, they are doing the people they claim to represent a disservice by displaying their child-like behaviour and in some cases, alleged racism.
"This should absolutely not be acceptable by anyone’s standards, especially in an area where we pride ourselves on our diversity and inclusivity.
"Being a councillor is an honour that should never be taken for granted or abused – but sadly, their track record in Sandwell shows they frequently do both.
"I ask that they get a grip or move over for people who are serious about doing the job well in the local elections next May."
Shaun Bailey, West Bromwich West MP, added: "Sandwell Council [councillors] need to get their act together. The amount of [political] suspensions in Sandwell has been ridiculous.
"We need leadership not a revolving door.
"Time after time, it seems the leadership changes.
"The Sandwell Labour Group really needs to pull their finger out and do what people voted them in for.
"Sandwell Labour are in a mess."
