Fifth senior Hyndburn Labour figure quits 'toxic' local party

Retiring Netherton councillor Bernadette Parkinson has resigned after 27 years in the party in the wake of her husband and council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson, who quit last month.

She is the fifth high-profile figure in the borough to leave Labour after her spouse, former cabinet member Gareth Molineux and his wife Cllr Jenny Molineux, and planning chair Cllr Eamonn Higgins.

All have complained of "toxic culture" in the Hyndburn constituency Labour party with Miles Parkinson blaming "certain individuals who are operating behind the scenes" for the problems in his dramatic resignation speech at Hyndburn's Full Council on March 24.

In the margins of the meeting, Labour councillors were privately naming former Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones as the prime mover among those individuals.

Bernadette Parkinson is the wife of Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson

Mrs Parkinson, who is not standing in May 5's local elections, said: "I’m resigning from the Labour Party.

"After more than 27 years working hard for the Labour Party I never thought I’d see the day that I’d feel forced to leave.

"But what’s going on now in the Hyndburn Labour Party stinks. People who were once friendly have been turned at each other’s throats by a nasty and manipulative gang of individuals who are too cowardly to fire the bullets themselves so they get others to do it for them.

"I’m also sick and tired of the personal abuse by trouble-makers and back-stabbers who have created the toxic culture in the party.

"A few bad apples are spreading the rot and the regional party officials are guilty because they brush complaints under the carpet and look the other way.

"The only thing that’s going to stop the rot is a national level inquiry that looks at what’s been going on and kicks out the trouble makers.

Former Hyndburn MP Graham Jones is said to be behind the problems in the party

"If this happens I’m sure they will be shocked at how serious the discrimination and bullying is in the party."

A Labour party spokesperson said: “It is disappointing Cllr Parkinson has taken the decision to resign from the Labour Party and she will be missed.

"The party is taking steps to address the situation.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Marlene Haworth said: "Her resignation is very sad. Hyndburn Labour Party has totally lost the plot."

Mr Jones was approached for comment but declined to do so.

A Hyndburn Labour Constituency Party spokesperson said: "The leader of the council’s wife‘s resignation was not unexpected but we are surprised at the timing following her husband’s resignation three weeks ago.

"Various authorities have investigated complaints made by some individuals finding no evidence to support their claims. Hyndburn Labour is united in fighting the issues that matter to residents."

Jodi Clements is the Labour & Co-operative candidate for Netherton in next month's elections; she will go up against Navid Afzal for the Conservatives and Ian Robinson from Reform UK - formerly the Brexit Party. Click here for a full list of candidates at this year's elections.