A local councillor has resigned from the Labour group, citing demands to prioritize council duties over a critical cancer appointment. Sue Riley stepped down from Monmouthshire council’s Labour contingent last week, citing claims of bullying and a lack of acknowledgment for her complaints.
Demands Clash with Medical Needs
Riley stated, “I found it intolerable that I was told to cancel an essential medical appointment in order to attend a council meeting. This I found totally unacceptable and have been asking for redress, which has not been properly forthcoming.” She revealed that she had been asked by the council’s Labour whip, Steven Garratt, to reschedule her appointment after it emerged it clashed with a crucial budget meeting scheduled for March 2025.
She recounted instances where she attended online council meetings remotely, even immediately following surgery. “But on that particular one, I just couldn’t do it,” Riley explained, referring to the appointment she was allegedly asked to move.
Council Budget Passes Amidst Absence
The Labour-led cabinet’s budget ultimately passed due to a “pairing” arrangement, where an opposition councillor abstained from voting to offset Riley’s absence. Riley will continue serving her constituents in Chepstow’s Bulwark and Thornwell ward but will now operate as an independent councillor. Her departure reduces the Labour group’s representation to 21 out of the council’s 46 seats.
Allegations of Unfairness and Bullying
Riley, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer three years ago, explained that her appointments at Cardiff’s Velindre cancer hospital were consistently scheduled for Thursdays, frequently clashing with monthly full council meetings. She described going to extreme lengths to participate, including pulling over on the A465 highway to access her laptop on the way home from hospital to join meetings remotely.
“I have done everything I can to address what I feel is unfairness and bullying and after a year of trying to get it addressed I have decided enough is enough,” Riley stated. She added that while some suggested the matter was not being handled appropriately, the lack of a suitable forum left her with limited options. “The only thing you can do is leave, and then when people ask you why you’ve left, be honest and tell them why.”
Despite her health challenges, Riley expressed her enjoyment of her community work and her belief in her ability to make a difference. “I was a very fit and healthy person four years ago. I didn’t really plan for cancer and I did feel that I could make a difference [being a councillor] and I did do a lot of work.”
Official Response
Garratt, the Labour whip, stated he was unaware of any formal complaint filed against him but confirmed he had inquired about Riley’s ability to reschedule her appointment, emphasizing the need for every vote due to Labour’s narrow majority on the council.
Mary Ann Brocklesby, the council leader, commented, “As a group and as Welsh Labour, we do expect councillors to turn up on key votes and when there are reasons they can’t do that and we’ve had more than one occasion with councillors with serious illness or dealing with serious illnesses within family, we find ways to deal with it and will continue to do so. We are very sad Councillor Riley has chosen to leave the party but we respect her decision.”
An inquiry has been made to Welsh Labour for comment.
