Brighton council: Tories call on leader to resign

Tory councillors in Brighton and Hove City Council released a statement today urging leader Cllr Platts to step down “for the good of the city”.

Conservative leader Councillor Steve Bell accused the city council of going back on its June 12 promise to be an “anti-racist council” by keeping councillors under investigation for alleged anti-Semitism within the Labour Group.

Though the statement did not reference any specific Labour councillors, both Councillor Anne Pissaridou and Councillor Nichole Brennan have been allowed to remain in the Labour Group while under party investigation for alleged anti-Semitism.

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Cllr Pissaridou was suspended from the Labour Party on Wednesday for alleged anti-Semitism

A probe into Cllr Brennan began in March after pictures were leaked to The Argus showing her holding up a sign claiming Israel is a “racist apartheid state”.

But Cllr Brennan remained as part of the Labour Group until she resigned from it yesterday.

Then last Wednesday Cllr Pissaridou was suspended from the national Labour Party for allegedly sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media.

Later that night it was announced the suspended councillor would remain as part of the Labour Group, though she is not allowed to speak on behalf of the group or attend group meetings.

The Conservatives have called on Councillor Nancy Platts to resign

Conservative leader Cllr Bell said: “We will strive to rid the council of all sorts of racism and not support any administration which allows its councillors under investigation and suspension for these serious matters to remain in their group.

“The city deserves better and as Conservatives we will work to deliver a council which is fit for purpose and free from all forms of racism.”

The Labour Group declined to comment when contacted by The Argus.