Overview
- Dennis Jones stepped down as leader of Peterborough City Council and was suspended by Labour pending an investigation, though he remains a councillor sitting as an independent.
- Independent councillor Daisy Blakemore-Creedon published an August 8 exchange that appeared to show Jones referring to Rotherham grooming victims as “poor white trash,” saying victims contacted her after the post.
- Jones apologised for using “clearly inappropriate” language and said he intended to condemn narratives that minimise abuse, as national and local figures condemned his remarks.
- The council confirmed receipt of a formal complaint about the messages and said it is considering the contents while Labour conducts its disciplinary process.
- An extraordinary full council meeting is set for September 12 at Sand Martin House to elect a new leader after cabinet appointments ended, with party group leaders discussing possible coalition arrangements and several meetings next week cancelled.