Labour blast for LibDems

The Liberal Democrats in Sunderland have been accused of letting the public down after it was confirmed Lynn Appleby has resigned from the council.

Coun Graeme Miller, leader of the city council’s ruling Labour Group, said: “The Lib Dems have a track record of letting down those who vote them in.

“You only have to cast your mind back to 2010, to see – on a national stage – how this self-serving party put itself first and the public second, to prop up a Tory Government that has since been on a seemingly endless rampage of cuts and austerity.

“Now, closer to home, we are seeing this party abandon those who voted for them, and turn their back on communities here in Sunderland.

“Unfortunately, those wards are seeing first-hand how weak and ineffective the Lib Dems actually are.”

Coun Niall Hodson replied: “It is not my place to comment on Lynn’s personal circumstances, but suffice to say Graeme Miller’s words are typically vindictive and insensitive.

“In recent years the Sunderland Labour group has had councillors removed for non-attendance, suspended for benefit fraud and abusing the expenses system.”

“He currently has a cabinet member suspendedafter a post online about anti-Semitism. He should put his own house in order before turning his attention to other parties.”