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A Merseyside councillor has sensationally quit Labour amid allegations of "bullying and intimidation" by hard left "parasites" in his former constituency party.

Cllr Mike Sullivan is no longer a Labour member after he said the Wirral West Constituency Labour Party had become "over-run by a narrow, ideological cult" where bullying "of the many by the few is now the norm".

In a letter to the council leader, Wirral council's Pensby and Thingwall ward member said he "cannot stand by and let it go unchallenged", adding that extremist views and "parasites" had now taken positions of power in the party.

Resigning the group whip and his party membership, Cllr Sullivan announced his intention to now serve as an Independent.

His strongly worded letter said: "I will not be cowed and threatened by those who have campaigned against us in the recent past and are now seeking to drive their personal and political ambitions forward under the cover of the Labour Party.

(Image: Liverpoool Echo)

"They are too meek to stand for election themselves and make their real views public. They have tried in the past to win support for their extremist views and failed and it is a travesty that, like parasites, they have infiltrated and now wormed themselves into positions of power in our party."

The letter added: "Sadly, Wirral West CLP and Pensby and Thingwall Branch in recent months has been over-run by a narrow, ideological cult where bullying and intimidation of the many by the few is now the norm. I cannot stand by and let this continue unchallenged."

Speaking about his intention to continue as a councillor outside of the party, it added: "I will continue to serve the people of my ward and the wider borough as an Independent councillor for the remainder of my term.

"This way I can do my duty without the harassment and pressure of the small number who have taken control of our party structures. I will continue to help residents with planning and housing issues, campaign for the protection of green space and protest against the austerity cuts and closures to public services the Tory Government is imposing on boroughs like Wirral.

"I will do this because it is what local residents and the vast number of Labour supporters and members in Wirral expect and believe to be right. I will not be dictated to by a small group of people sat on committees and forums about when it is right to stand up for residents of Pensby and Thingwall."

It comes after an interview with veteran Labour activist Sheila Murphy claimed "the left have taken over", speaking about "a combination of bullying, extreme levels of micro-control and indolence from the hard left" in the Wirral party.

Ms Murphy was speaking to political blog website Labour Uncut in which she criticised the "thousands" of new "out of control" members that have joined the party since Jeremy Corbyn became leader.

Responding in a letter to Cllr Sullivan, local authority leader Cllr Phil Davies said he was "saddened and shocked" at the news.

He said: "The Labour Party has always held tolerance and respect for individuals as key principles which underpin our movement and I am sorry that your experience has been so distressing.

"May I take this opportunity of thanking you for your hard work as a Labour councillor representing Pensby and Thingwall ward since 2012.

"You can be proud of the many the improvements for local residents which you have delivered. Can I also thank you for your support for me personally during this period."

A spokesman for Wirral West CLP said the party had received "no complaints" about any of the issues in Cllr Sullivan's letter, adding: "We take accusations of bullying very seriously and so it is disappointing that Mike has chosen not to follow the well-established and fair procedures."

The CLP is a "broad church" that welcomes people from all backgrounds and traditions, he said.

He added: "We encourage debate and ensure that the views of all members are treated with respect and tolerance at all of our meetings.

"Wirral West CLP has approximately 1000 members and is active campaigning within the local community– having recently successfully defended council seats in Pensby and Thingwall and in Upton.

"This followed on from a fantastic and positive general election campaign in June 2017 in which Margaret Greenwood MP increased her majority from 417 to 5,365. The campaign was well received locally, particularly the visit from Jeremy Corbyn to West Kirby beach, and resulted in a marked increase in actual and active membership.

"The officers of the constituency party are all elected in an open and fair process following the Labour Party Rule Book to the letter."

Commenting on the news, the council's Lib Dem group leader Cllr Phil Gilchrist said the issue "has lifted the lid on the simmering tensions in Wirral", adding: "Those who share his concerns will wonder why staying and fighting on within the tent had become impossible."