A South Gloucestershire councillor has been expelled from Labour after announcing his independent mayoral bid for the West of England Combined Authority election.
South Gloucestershire: A councillor has been kicked out of the Labour Party after 40 years. Ian Scott announced he would run as an independent for the West of England metro mayor election.
Scott had previously accused Labour of age and sex discrimination. He was removed from the shortlist for the party’s nomination last November.
After deciding to run against Labour’s official candidate, Helen Godwin, the party expelled him for breaking its rules. Scott, 61, was one of six candidates initially considered for the nomination.
He stated, “Being old is not a crime. I want to present my case to the public.” He feels the party has ignored his discrimination claims and believes that being blocked by a panel is not democratic.
Scott has been a Labour member since 1983, inspired by local MP Tony Benn. He plans to leave the party by January 31, citing a loss of trust.
A Labour spokesperson confirmed his membership termination. The metro mayor oversees the West of England Combined Authority, which includes Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath & North East Somerset councils.
