Former Labour councillor pens stinging resignation letter

A former Labour councillor has launched a blistering attack on her ex-colleagues, documenting bullying, humiliation and a lack of respect from party leaders in Bristol.

Jo Sergeant’s eviscerating resignation statement has been played down by mayor Marvin Rees, with a source close to the mayor saying that he does not want to waste time “on rebutting people’s personal vendettas”.

But the attack by Sergeant comes soon after another Labour councillor, Nicola Bowden-Jones, spoke of “continuous bullying” within Bristol’s Labour group in a video that has since been deleted from YouTube.

Sergeant, who still represents Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston ward as an independent, said that during her five years serving as a Labour councillor in City Hall, the Labour group “has become increasingly dominated” by Rees and group leader Marg Hickman.

“Through their allies they control the agenda and restrict opportunity for debate on issues they do not wish to be discussed.

“Most other members follow their direction because either they are too afraid to question their authority or because they don’t want to ‘get involved’, preferring to focus on their own specific projects.

“Marvin’s response to anyone in the Labour Group who disagrees with him is usually something along the lines of, ‘go to your ward and show leadership there’. He seems to have no respect for councillors (including Labour ones) other than those in his inner circle.”

Although she thinks “many of its goals are to be commended”, Sergeant said that Rees’ City Office and One City boards act like “a whole alternative council” which circumvents the democratic process.

Jo Sergeant with Bristol mayor Marvin Rees in happier times – photo: Jo Sergeant

She added: “Basic norms of democracy and accountability are being ignored by the current leadership. Overall, the result is that it is impossible for Labour councillors to constructively engage with the Mayor and his team, and to hold him to account between elections.

“We should be able to help guide him in an atmosphere of mutual trust – which I am sure the people who voted for me would expect.”

Replying to Sergeant’s resignation statement on Facebook, Lockleaze Labour councillor Gill Kirk wrote: “All I see here is a concerted effort to bring down a Labour administration. Very sad.”

Bowden-Jones – whose husband is the former cabinet member for housing, Paul Smith – called Sergeant “a courageous woman”.

She said: “I am really proud of you Jo for writing this letter, I support everything you have said, and respect how difficult a decision this has been for you.”

A source close to Rees told Bristol24/7:  “Marvin is completely focused on keeping Bristolians safe and protecting their jobs.

“Our administration’s energy is going into the city’s Covid response and recovery; not being wasted on rebutting people’s personal vendettas.”

Main photo: Dilawer Potiwal / Facebook

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