Labour Party lifts suspension of Rotherham councillor Ann Russell

THE Labour Party has confirmed that the suspension of Rotherham Borough Council’s Cllr Ann Russell has been lifted.

Cllr Russell was suspended alongside fellow councillors Roger Stone, Shaukat Ali and Jahangir Akhtar last September following the publication of the Jay report.

A Labour Party spokesman said that the party membership of former borough council leader, Roger Stone, has now lapsed, meaning he is no longer a member of the Party.

The Yorkshire and Humber Labour Party spokesman added: "The Labour Party has today lifted the suspension of Rotherham Councillor Ann Russell.

“Suspensions of other Labour Party members remain in place pending the outcomes of investigations into CSE in Rotherham.

"The Labour Party has taken firm action to bring about change in Rotherham's Labour Group since the Alexis Jay Report, with a rigorous selection process and a change of leadership.

“Cllr Chris Read has demonstrated a determination to change the culture in the council and work with the Government-appointed Commissioners to bring about the improvements in governance required.

"There are a number of agencies conducting investigations into CSE in Rotherham, and the Labour Party will take firm action if those investigations implicate any Party members."