The Green Group of Councillors on Brighton & Hove City Council have responded to the resignation of Labour Councillor Les Hamilton.
They said: “Les Hamilton has been a councillor for 52 years – an incredible record of public service. His devotion to championing the needs of his residents in Portslade is unquestionable. He is respected by councillors from across the political spectrum and we wish him all the best.
“The timing of the decision does raise questions and like many others, we would like to understand if the sudden, unexpected nature of his resignation is linked to the fact the Labour group are seemingly ploughing ahead with plans to close the local school, St Peter’s Community Primary and Nursery School, in his ward. Parents and residents have made it clear they oppose this move.
“We continue to urge Labour to rethink this decision and to allow residents a meaningful consultation, particularly given Labour ran part of their local election campaign on a manifesto promise not to close schools.”
Notes:
Councillor Hamilton represented South Portslade ward where a by-election will be held in due course.
Updated 24.11.2023: an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Cllr. Hamilton was a former pupil of the school. This was an error – apologies for any confusion caused.