The former mayor of Brighton and Hove has been suspended from her political party after an investigation was launched into her conduct.

City councillor Anne Meadows is facing questions over donations received during her time as the city’s civic figurehead.

Last night it was confirmed that she had been suspended from the Labour Party and its group of coun- cillors, pending the outcome of an investigation.

Coun Meadows, who was mayor in 2011/12 and is the city’s current deputy mayor, denied that she would be standing down as a councillor.

Coun Meadows exclusively told The Argus: “The party do not give a reason why I have been suspended, the same way my group leader will not give me a reason when I ask her.

“I have been judged, sentenced and found guilty without trial.

“I have been the victim of persecution and backstabbing. Why? Someone obviously wants my job.

“It should not affect my role as a councillor at all.”

Party suspension

Coun Meadows, who represents Moulsecoomb and Bevendean on the local authority, confirmed that she has been in talks with the council’s legal team for the last month.

The suspension from the party was approved on Tuesday evening (April 16) but was announced only late last night (April 17).

Coun Meadows, who was born and brought up in Bevendean, has been a councillor since 1994.

During her year as mayor she raised about £20,000 for her charities, the Federation for Disabled People, Sussex Beacon and Rise.

Profile removed

On handing over the reins, Coun Meadows thanked all those who supported her in the role, adding: “I call it the Doctor Who factor.

"The chains and gown remain the same but the person inside them changes.”

Last night her profile had been removed from the Brighton and Hove Labour Party website.

A Labour spokeswoman said: “Anne Meadows is currently subject to an internal investigation.

“The Labour Party views this as a serious matter and in accordance with Labour Party rules, Coun Meadows is currently suspended from the Labour Party and from the Labour and Cooperative Group, pending the outcome of these investigations.

“We cannot comment any further.”