Vote at Labour Group meeting follows speculation of fractured relations

The borough’s Labour councillors have agreed behind closed doors to show more respect to one another.

The Times understands that an agreement has been reached at a Labour Group meeting last night, for all councillors to agree a policy of mutual respect.

It follows months of speculation about internal fighting following a shift in council leadership last May.

The vote, which was unanimously passed, called on all members to respect each others conduct.

The call for a vote follows a previous Labour meeting where council leader Cllr Muhammed Butt allegedly had a heated argument with another councillor over a disagreement about Tokyngton Library.

It was claimed there was to be a vote of no confidence in the leader that was due to take place last night but an agreement was reached to try and mend relations.

Cllr Butt ousted Cllr Ann John OBE from her position last May, claiming leadership by just one vote.

Since then speculation has been rife that there has been a strong divide within the Labour Group.