A councillor who left the Labour Party following a dispute over an image of him holding a replica gun has announced he is joining the Green Party. Tom Bailey, who represents the Tynemouth ward, has become the third Green councillor in North Tyneside.
Background to the resignation
Coun Bailey, who has become a prominent figure following the nurdle spill disaster that has polluted the area's beaches, was suspended by Labour in August and subsequently quit the council's ruling party. The suspension came after he allegedly posted an image of a placard showing him holding what appeared to be a firearm in a volunteer nurdle clean-up WhatsApp group.
The incident prompted a council standards complaint and was reported to Northumbria Police, which found that all apparent weapons in the image were replicas.
Statement from Coun Bailey
Speaking on Monday, Coun Bailey said: “North Shields, Tynemouth, and Whitley Bay deserve better. Whether it’s protecting our local environment, safer streets for our kids, or real change in our town centres.
“Real leadership isn’t just about political games; it’s about working for the common good. It needs a new party bringing new energy and ideas. That’s why, this week, I’ve joined the Green Party. Tynemouth has gone green, Whitley Bay has gone green, and North Shields has gone green - because our coast deserves better. Tynemouth, Whitley Bay, and North Shields deserve a greener, fairer, cleaner future.”
Reaction from fellow Green councillors
The Greens' other two councillors in North Tyneside, Helen Bell and Martin Osborne, said they were “delighted” to welcome Coun Bailey. In a joint statement, they said: “Tom has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to standing up for local residents and protecting our coastal environment, particularly over the recent nurdle spill.
“With Green councillors now in Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and North Shields, we are stronger than ever in pushing for real change - from cleaner seas and safer streets to fairer community-led investment. We’re looking forward to working together to solve problems and get things done.”
