'I've been kicked in the teeth by Labour'

THE leader of the North-East's biggest local authority was suspended last night on the eve of a crucial leadership contest.

In a blow to Albert Nugent's efforts to continue as leader of Durham County Council, the former miner was one of five councillors suspended indefinitely by the national Labour Party in a row over women candidates.

The decision prevents Coun Nugent from standing and paves the way for rival Simon Henig to assume the job, barring a lastminute contender emerging at a party summit at County Hall, Durham, today.

Coun Henig, a Sunderland University lecturer and former agent to North Durham MP Kevan Jones, declined to comment on his rival's suspension last night, saying only: "Clearly, I wasn't involved at all in that inquiry."

But Coun Nugent criticised party bosses, saying he had been "kicked in the teeth".

Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) yesterday suspended Coun Nugent, former leadership front-runner Alan Napier and three other councillors over allegations they went back on a deal aimed at bringing more women into politics.

Before the Durham County Council elections on May 1, the NEC issued a directive saying there had to be a 50-50 split of male and female candidates.

It later accepted the Easington party could field seven female candidates - four short of the original figure required. But only four women were put up, prompting the suspension of the entire Easington constituency party.

A two-day preliminary investigation into the affair was completed in Sunderland yesterday.

Afterwards, a Labour spokesman said: "Following an initial investigation, the NEC has suspended Robert Crute, Audrey Laing, Alan Napier, Alice Naylor and Albert Nugent from holding office or representing Labour.

"The Easington Constituency Labour Party has also been advised that its suspension will be lifted as soon as the constituency party AGM can be arranged.

"It's important that these allegations are further investigated and the NEC investigation team will be continuing.

"At the conclusion of this, the NEC will be asked to authorise a full report to be drawn up with recommendations for disciplinary action if appropriate."

A Labour source said having reached a deal with the NEC on the number of women candidates, the five suspended councillors neither spoke in favour of, or voted for the deal at constituency executive or committee meetings, leading to the agreement being rejected.

The source also insisted there was nothing sinister in the timing of the suspension that ruled Coun Nugent out of the leadership contest, saying the investigation date was agreed before the election.

But Coun Nugent, leader of Durham County Council since 2006, said: "We're standing up for women's rights.

"The women did not want to be selected because they were women - they wanted to be selected because of their commitment and on merit.

"I don't think the people of Seaham will be very happy.

"They elected me to go to County Hall to do a job. They have taken away not only my rights, but the rights of the electors.

We're in enough bother as it is without creating our own.

"I supported Nelson Mandela did all the right things and then they come along and kick me in the teeth."

Coun Napier, the leader of Easington District Council, was widely thought to be heir apparent as Durham County Council leader.

On Friday last week, sources close to Coun Napier said he would announce his candidacy on Tuesday.

But following intense behindthe- scenes activity over the weekend, Labour members in west Durham are understood to have united behind Coun Henig, and as the nominations deadline passed on Tuesday night, only Coun Nugent, Coun Henig, the deputy leader of Chester-le- Street district council, and Coun Brookes, a newly elected councillor for Trimdon and close ally of Tony Blair, had declared.

Last night, Coun Napier declined to comment on his suspension, saying only: "This has been dealt with within the NEC investigation team and it will be dealt with internally."

Labour maintained control of Durham County Council in last week's elections, but with a reduced majority of only eight.

The 67-strong Labour group will choose its leader following hustings this morning.

The successful candidate will become leader of the county council and assume control of the unitary authority, which will replace the county council and Durham's seven district councils next April. The new council will spend more than £1bn a year and employ 22,000 people.