A LABOUR MP has issued a scathing apology for his own party’s city council.

Hove and Portslade MP, Peter Kyle, apologised to city residents after a Brighton and Hove City councillor quit the party amid alleged anti-Semitism. 

Councillor Kate Knight announced she will sit as an independent in a statement this afternoon. 

Her departure comes less than a week after the Labour administration was rocked this week by the suspension of one of its leading councillors, Anne Pissaridou, over the sharing of allegedly anti-Semitic material on social media.

Another councillor,  Nichole Brennan, is being investigated after photos of her holding up a sign calling Israel a “racist, apartheid state” were given to The Argus. She is not suspended from the party.

Hove MP Kyle said: “In recent years voters, especially the Jewish community, have told Labour they want action not words. 

 “This is action, not words. This is Labour getting its house in order.

“Once again I am sorry for those we have failed, disappointed, and caused hurt to in the past. 

“Your local Labour Party will swiftly rebound and rebuild. Each and every day, despite the turmoil, we grow closer to the communities we exist to serve and more reflective of our shared values. We know there’s more to do, but we’re getting there - with words and action.”

Councillor Kate Knight, deputy chairwoman of the council’s children, young people and skills Committee has told council that she has resigned as a member of the Labour Party and from the council’s Labour Group with immediate effect.