The national Labour Party has selected Cllr John Cotton as the new leader of Birmingham City Council Labour group after its intervention last week.
A damning report into the UK’s largest council’s politics led the Labour National Executive Council (NEC) to announce it would hold internal elections for a new leader and deputy leader, usurping current incumbent Ian Ward and his deputy Brigid Jones.
Interviews at the weekend selected Cllr Cotton to lead the Labour Group for a year, with Cllr Sharon Thompson as his deputy. His position will mean he will take on the leader role, subject to ratification later this week.
The national Labour party’s intervention followed a report by Birmingham Campaign Improvement Board, lead by former Manchester City Council leader Sir Richard Leese. The hit-squad, which was sent in to review the party’s performance, is believed to be one of several across the country.
The MJ understands both Cllr Ward and Cllr Jones applied for their positions, alongside other local candidates.
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