A COUNCIL leader is facing an uncertain future after a vote of no confidence in him was "overwhelmingly" passed.

Cllr Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, is facing calls to resign from the the Hartlepool Constituency Labour Party (CLP) grass roots members.

In a statement, the CLP said the motion received the ‘unequivocal backing’ of party chiefs at a meeting of its decision-making General Committee last week.

The motion resolves that the CLP has no confidence in Cllr Akers-Belcher and fears he will harm the party’s chances in next May’s council elections.

Labour chiefs in Hartlepool believe support for the party has fallen significantly since Cllr Akers-Belcher became leader in 2012, citing criticism from voters on the doorstep.

The statement of the CLP reads: “Following a full consultation of local party branches Hartlepool CLP’s general committee gave its unequivocal backing to a compound motion calling for a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Hartlepool’s Labour Group, Christopher Akers-Belcher.

“This was the product of a full and democratic process in which the views of all members were considered.

“Over recent months the CLP has done all it can to enact change and ensure new, strong leadership alongside a wave of new candidates to help protect and rebuild Hartlepool in this time of Conservative led austerity.

“The passing of this motion makes the views of Hartlepool CLP formal and clear, it is now down to our Labour Party councillors to exact the will of the membership and what we believe to be the will of Hartlepool’s residents.”

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Cllr Akers-Belcher said the motion had been supported by 39 people out of around 600 members of the party, and his own branch supported him "unanimously".

"The important thing for me is being leader of the council and making sure work continues to be done across all departments, which are rated either good or outstanding," he added.

Cllr Akers-Belcher became leader of Hartlepool Borough Council in 2013.

He has over 22 years of senior local government experience, working in finance, revenues and benefits as a local government officer at a number of North-East councils.