Councillor Resigns from Labour After Being Pressured to Postpone Cancer Treatment for Budget Vote

A Labour councillor has stepped down from the party group at Monmouthshire Council, citing a decision by party officials to prioritize a budget meeting over her critical cancer treatment. Sue Riley announced her departure last week, citing bullying within the group and alleging that her formal grievance regarding the incident was ignored.

Riley described the directive to sacrifice her medical care as "intolerable" and "totally unacceptable." She stated, "I have been asking for redress, which has not been properly forthcoming."

The controversy centers on a clash between a scheduled council budget meeting in March 2025 and a medical appointment. Steven Garratt, the Labour whip, admitted to BBC Wales that he approached Riley asking if she could reschedule her appointment. Garratt explained that due to the tight numbers in the Labour group, the council required every available vote.

Riley, who represents the Bulwark and Thornwell ward in Chepstow, expressed shock at the request, particularly given her health history. Diagnosed with stage four cancer three years ago, she noted that her appointments at Cardiff’s Velindre cancer hospital are strictly scheduled for Thursdays, inevitably conflicting with the monthly full council meetings.

She recounted her previous dedication to her duties, noting that she had often joined meetings remotely, sometimes while recovering from surgery. "I would often attend online council meetings... straight after surgery," Riley said. In one instance, she even pulled over on the A465 to access her laptop from the roadside to participate. However, regarding this specific incident, she stated, "On that particular one, I just couldn't do it."

Despite the conflict, the budget was ultimately passed. This was made possible by a "pairing" arrangement, where an opposition councillor agreed to abstain from the vote to offset Riley’s absence, thereby maintaining the balance.

Riley remains an elected councillor but will now sit as an independent. Her resignation reduces the Labour group’s representation to 21 out of the council’s 46 seats. The political fallout comes shortly after she participated in the council’s annual general meeting in May, where she voted with Labour to re-elect Mary Ann Brocklesby as council leader by a single vote, before quitting the group the following week.

Reflecting on her decision, Riley said, "I have done everything I can to address what I feel is unfairness and bullying and after a year of trying to get it addressed I have decided enough is enough." She criticized the lack of proper channels for such issues, adding, "People are saying this isn't the forum for these complaints, but yet there is no forum. The only thing you can do is leave, and then when people ask you why you've left, be honest and tell them why."

She emphasized that she still wishes to serve her community, stating, "I enjoyed the type of work I do for my community and am in a good position to be able to do it." She recalled being a "very fit and healthy person four years ago" and expressed regret that cancer had disrupted her plans to make a difference as a councillor.

In response, Garratt clarified that he was unaware of any formal complaint lodged against him personally. He reiterated that his request was driven by the necessity of securing votes for the Labour-led cabinet.

Mary Ann Brocklesby, the council leader, issued a statement expressing sorrow over Riley’s exit. "As a group and as Welsh Labour, we do expect councillors to turn up on key votes and when there are reasons they can't do that... we find ways to deal with it and will continue to do so," she said. Brocklesby noted that the party has previously accommodated councillors dealing with serious illnesses or family health crises. "We are very sad Councillor Riley has chosen to leave the party but we respect her decision."

Welsh Labour has been contacted for further comment.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 14:32:12 UTC