The Mayor of Liverpool has expressed her disappointment after Labour councillors left the party to form their own group.
Mayor Joanne Anderson has given her reaction to the new political banding established at Liverpool Town Hall as Cllrs Alison Clarke, Rona Heron, Joanne Calvert, Alfie Hincks and Alan Gibbons jumped ship to pair up with existing independent members, former Lord Mayor Anna Rothery, Sam Gorst and Sarah Morton. In March, the five shocked the Labour group by defying the party whip to oppose the annual budget - which led to their suspension.
Earlier this month, the sanctioned members gave Labour an ultimatum to resolve their cases by today or they would resign. As no response was forthcoming, the members have cut ties with the party and are branching out.
