The North Tyneside Tories faced backlash after walking out of a council meeting over questions directed at Labour’s mayoral candidate
North Tyneside: The Conservative Group at the council made quite a scene last night. They walked out during a meeting over what they called “politically motivated” questions aimed at Labour’s mayoral candidate, Coun Karen Clark.
Things got heated after the Tories tried to move on from questions posed by Labour councillors. They felt the questions were just a way to give Coun Clark a platform, which they didn’t appreciate.
The questions covered serious topics like the NHS, women’s safety, and public transport. The Tories argued these should have been answered by the current mayor, Dame Norma Redfearn, instead of Coun Clark.
Before leaving, Coun Liam Bones, the Tory leader and mayoral candidate, made it clear they wouldn’t stick around for what they saw as misuse of council resources.
After the walk-out, Coun John Harrison, who handles housing, got legal confirmation that the questions were valid. It’s up to the mayor to decide who answers them, after all.
Labour’s spokesperson didn’t hold back, saying the Tories showed a lack of respect for crucial issues like poverty and safety. They called the walk-out a petty political stunt.
Dame Norma Redfearn expressed her shock, saying the whole situation was dreadful. It’s clear this incident stirred up quite a bit of drama in North Tyneside.
