This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Sandwell Council's Yvonne Davies was being investigated over tweets she posted in 2018 and was suspended by the Labour party on Monday, she said. The tweets have since been deleted. The source said: "[With Kalari cleared] I also heard higher up that they are investigating who fabricated tweets. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Reasons unclear. Yvonne Davies went out with a bang, hurling accusations at political opponents in her own party while expressing horror at claims that she held anti-Semitic views. Something went wrong, please try again later. Last month it was revealed a complaint had been made to Labour officials accusing Councillor Hadley of making racist comments in a private conversation. She chose not to apologise for the tweets sent in 2018 but her claims of serious misconduct open a can of worms at an authority trying to clean up its image after years of damaging scandals. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Councillor Yvonne Davies stood down as council leader in July after she was suspended by Labour over allegedly anti-Semitic posts. "I have friends in the Jewish community, the Sikh community, the Hindu community, every community. The suspension of Mr Jones is significant for the Sandwell Conservatives due to his role as chairman. It is unclear when this decision took place. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Sandwell is the heartland of the Labour right, which lost control of the borough during Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the party, amid a slew of allegations of corruption as well as sexual harassment and sleaze. Gowling WLG investigated alleged irregularities in the sale of the authority's former properties from 2011-2013, including three old public toilet blocks and a former coroner's office in Smethwick. They added another year to their 48 year control of Sandwell council. A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Were investigating an assault on Freeth Street in Oldbury, Sandwell around 4pm yesterday (7 December). I have never been anti-Semitic. A councillor allegedly recorded using racially abusive terms about a colleague has been suspended from the Labour Party, the BBC understands. Senior reporter at the Express & Star. After his resignation, in an email to Labour councillors Mr Eling, who has been a councillor since 1986, said he has "made a few enemies but all my critics can throw at me is personal abuse," the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. Have I given you permission to film?". "I am sorry if I got it wrong. They include Bill Gavan, who. Labour said the new slate of candidates which includes nine women and 13 people from a BAME background will boost diversity on the council. I have built a family and [a] successful business here.". Trow had only been in position for a short time, following the forced resignation as leader of Steve Eling, a close ally of local right-wing MPs Tom Watson and John Spellar, who had been suspended . He said in November his arrest "did not relate to the sale or purchase of any former Sandwell Council properties" and he was "considering taking legal action against a number of individuals and organisations". Ward: Great Barr with Yew Tree Party: Conservative Party Zahoor Ahmed . Sandwell councillor Joanne Hadley appeared to use racist language discussing fellow party member Basharat Khan in the recording of a phone call. Connor Jones, the chairman for Sandwell Conservatives, was suspended on June 3 following complaints from several councillors over his conduct. 13:26, 10 DEC 2021. Satpal Singh, a former Conservative councillor for the Rowley ward, alleged Mr Jones had belittled non-white Conservative candidates and members contesting the May local elections in the hope they would leave the party. "To me that's terrible for the residents of Newton. Cradley Heath & Old Hill: Vicki Darby-Smith, Old Warley (two seats): John Tipper/Harnoor Bhullar. Laured Kalari (left) has been suspended as leader of the Conservative party in Sandwell. Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? He said he had not been consulted and had not been aware of the price. Mr Ealing stood down in February 2019 and was replaced by Steve Trow, who then stood down himself due to personal reasons shortly after a successful local election for Labour in Sandwell. The council supports freedom of expression and speech and the rights of the press to attend council meeting that are held in public.". An email sent to all councillors in Sandwell from the local party chair on Monday, seen by the BBC, said two of their number had been suspended - one of whom is understood to be Ms Hadley,. Indian officials wife distraught as his killer is freed, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Publication of this report has been delayed after legal action by "one of the parties named", the council said, but documents leaked to the BBC shed light on its findings. She denied being racist saying she never had the chance to defend herself. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Yvonne Davies resigned at the cabinet meeting. Labour currently dominates the authority, which has been mired in turmoil for years amid numerous investigations and scandals and changed leaders three times in 18 months. Conservative MP James Morris - who has long called for Mr Eling's resignation - said his leadership were the council's "darkest days". (Image: Sandwell Council) Cllr Eling originally said he would continue to serve as leader of the council until he received advice from the party's. A Labour Party spokesperson said: "The Labour Party takes all complaints of anti-Semitism extremely seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.". Connor Jones, the former chairman of Sandwell Conservatives, pictured in May 2022. Two more Watson allies expelled for supporting rival candidates A former leader of Sandwell Council has quit Labour, claiming the party was attempting to "bury the truth about wrongdoing" at the authority. Subscribe to our daily newsletter! Gulshan Tabassum is expected to take her place, making way for Councillor Eaves to stand in Princes End. Labour is going to be on a real sticky wicket this year in Sandwell and this latest cull doesn't really make sense. Councillor Steve Melia has been suspended, according to a Labour source, Get all the latest politics news straight to your inbox with our bi-weekly newsletter. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. After Campaign Against Antisemitism reported on the numerous investigations, resignations and suspensions of Labour councillors on Sandwell Council - including a Leader and the current Interim Leader - a concerned member of the public has submitted further evidence of antisemitism from members of the Council.. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Last month, Sandwell Council revealed it was hiring an extra member of staff to deal with complaints about elected councillors and there are currently 10 live investigations into the conduct of members. He has previously dubbed the investigations a "witch-hunt" and disputed the truth of the allegations. Councillors by Name | Sandwell Council The One Way of Bernard Street, West Bromwich will be suspended for the duration of the event. Sandwell Council Thursday 18 November 2021, 10:58am Lucy Kapasi Reporter, ITV News Central Cllr Rajbir Singh has resigned for personal reasons Credit: Sandwell Council It has been an. Sandwell's Labour group has been plunged into fresh turmoil ahead of the local elections over claims of a "hugely damaging" selection process. At least 55 Labour MPs, Councillors and Mayors have been arrested Sandwell councillor accused of 'racist slurs' suspended from Labour He said the wife's penalty was cancelled, while his son's was reduced. Mr Saunders, 63, could be heard in the video saying to councillors: "Back to the future? As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Birmingham Hodge Hill MP accused of misusing public cash. Indian officials wife distraught as his killer is freed, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. A leading figure for the Sandwell Conservatives has been suspended from the political party over alleged claims of harassment and bullying, while a former Conservative leader has been cleared by the party of wrongdoing. A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed the force was investigating but so far nobody has been arrested. In a statement, a spokesperson for the national Conservative party confirmed Mr Jones had been suspended from the party pending the outcome of an investigation. One post from August 2014 shows a cartoon image featuring a man with a Star of David symbol on his sleeve chopping up a small child. In a . Read about our approach to external linking. Cat-and-mouse chase with China in hotly contested sea, Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. On Monday, an official email purported to be from the Conservative party confirmed Mr Kalaris membership was fully restored after a five-month investigation. Laured Kalari, who was leading the Tory group at Labour-run Sandwell Council, has categorically denied being behind the tweets posted in 2020 and 2021. There are three independent councillors and one for the Brexit Party. The next leader was then Yvonne Davies, who won a narrow leadership election in May 2019. Labour holds 62 of the 72 seats, while six vacant seats were all previously Labour held. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Two Peterborough councillors suspended. Mr Kalari has had his Conservative membership returned to him. The council's Tory group will instead be led by Archer Williams. Councillors by Name. The run up to the 2019 elections in Sandwell was marked by allegations that Labours national office had interfered in candidate selections, amid claims that allies of then West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson had been dumped in favour of Corbynites. Labour councillors have chosen Councillor Steve Trow to replace Mr Eling as head of their group and he is expected to seek election next month. Subscribe to one or all notification sources from this one place. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Tipton Green councillor Ian Jones is unable to stand for Labour as he is currently suspended. Mr Kalari had continued to protest his innocence and deny the tweets came from his account. Mr Khan wrote: "Until the Kings of KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] are overthrown Israel will continue its killing and destruction of the people of Palestine.". Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? Video, The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, who was forced to resign over offensive social media posts, commissioners will be brought in to help run it, but its leaders knew what needed to be done, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies, Adidas sued by investors over Kanye West deal, Suspected IS chief killed in Syria, Turkey says, UK chip giant Arm files for blockbuster share sale, Pope urges Hungarians to 'open doors' to migrants, US bank makes last ditch bid to find rescuer. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Sandwell councillors suspended by Labour Party as borough's political Two Sandwell councillors quit, claiming Labour are trying to 'cover-up corruption and cronyism'. Sandwell councillor suspended by Labour after alleged assault on The new candidates also include Nagi Daya Singh in Rowley, a local shopkeeper who is understood to be in his mid-80s. The secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure. Mr Hafeez, who was arrested last year, provided no evidence to the council's solicitors despite requests, the QC wrote. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, Resignation calls over recording with racist slurs, Coronation a chance to relive history as people in region remember Queens crowning moment, Latest food hygiene ratings across the Black Country and Staffordshire - with two given zero, Only essential mowing to take place in four Birmingham wards for councils pilot project, Sister sprayed brother with chili and vinegar concoction in long-running family feud, Grass won't be mowed for a month in four Birmingham neighbourhoods, Negotiations underway to secure new police base in north of Dudley borough, Russia launches pre-dawn missile attack on Ukraine, Chaos at port as thousands rush to leave Sudan, MasterChef Australia host Jock Zonfrillo dies. Cllr Steve Eling's decision comes after his party's councillors chose. Nicola Richards, Tory MP for West Bromwich East, said she was "shocked" at the content. "Maybe it is because I am a woman, possibly as its because I'm a strong woman," she said. This was among three occasions Mr Hussain allegedly broke the Member Code for councillors to help his family, according to the QC. Councillor Hadley has not responded to requests for a comment. PDF Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Sandwell councillor suspended from Labour party over alleged assault Councillor Hussain has represented Tipton Green since May 2018, and sits on the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and Safer Neighbourhoods and Active Communities Scrutiny Board. "The council expects all members to abide by the standards set out in the Members code of conduct. Former Sandwell Council leader quits 'disgraceful' Labour Party which over claims he had posted anti-Semitic tweets. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Senior Multi-Media Journalist@JamieB_Star. Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article. The full list of candidates provided by the Labour Party is as follows: Wednesbury South (two seats): Kiratraj Singh/Hezera Zehora *no longer standing. Is climate change killing Australian wine? A leaked report also alleges Mahboob Hussain tipped off his son about the upcoming sale of a Sandwell Council property. And in an extraordinary turn of events, Laured Kalari, the former Sandwell Conservative leader, has been cleared by the party of any wrongdoing. 2023 BBC. "There's a lot of infighting in the national party and to put it bluntly I'm a casualty of war," Councillor Underhill said. The council will consider any appropriate action in accordance with its Ethical Framework that governs elected member conduct. The Labour Party said it takes all complaints of anti-Semitism "extremely seriously". Sandwell councillor suspended by Labour over support for rival 2023 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. His suspension is believed to have followed a series of posts he made which the party says "may reasonably be seen to involve anti-Semitic actions, stereotypes and sentiments". VideoThe secret mine that hid the Nazis' stolen treasure, LGBT troops take love for Eurovision to front line, Why an Indian comedian is challenging fake news rules, What Europe's royals could teach King Charles. Councillor Joanne Hadley claimed the recording had been altered, An email from the local Labour Party chair to all Sandwell councillors said two had been suspended.