Liverpool Labour has initiated proceedings to remove Cllr Sarah Doyle, a former assistant mayor, and Cllr Tom Logan, a former cabinet member for education, from the party group. The ruling party accused the pair of having no intention of engaging with the party, but Doyle countered that she had not been a Labour member since October last year.
Departure and Party Membership
Cllr Doyle, who has represented the Dingle ward since 2019, told the Liverpool Echo she let her party membership lapse and had not been a Labour Party member since October 2024. She served as assistant mayor to Joanne Anderson between 2022 and 2023. Cllr Logan, representing the Canning ward, said he still remains a Labour Party member but has chosen not to engage with the local group.
Group Statement and Attendance Concerns
In a statement, a Liverpool Labour spokesperson said the removal process was the final stage of a due diligence process lasting several months, as attempts to communicate with both councillors were rebuffed. The spokesperson said: “Our initial concerns regarded their welfare, and we tried extensively to engage with them to ensure they were supported and felt able to carry out their responsibilities as councillors. Over time, it became apparent that neither Councillor Doyle nor Councillor Logan had any intention of engaging with the party in any form.”
The group accused the councillors of not fulfilling their responsibilities to their constituents. Opposition councillors, including veteran Liberal Democrat Richard Kemp, had criticised both for poor attendance at council meetings. Between December 2024 and June 2026, both attended only a single meeting, with apologies offered for other expected appearances, including the annual budget-setting meeting in March.
Reasons for Disengagement
Cllr Doyle said she became frustrated with the party’s position locally and nationally. She had previously served in cabinet positions under former Mayor Joanne Anderson and current city leader Cllr Liam Robinson. She said: “We are still very active in our communities and frustrated by the illusion of democracy that plays out in the Town Hall. I’m glad Andy Burnham has won in Makerfield. I hope the Labour Party does change its trajectory to meet its democratic socialist roots. I have faith in these roots but not in the party as it exists today.”
Cllr Logan added: “The values and principles of the Labour Party of recent years are completely at odds with my own – both domestically and internationally. For this reason, I have chosen not to engage with the Liverpool Labour group of councillors. I still remain a member of the Labour Party. I hope that the party can one day resemble the organisation that I was once proud to be a member of.”
Impact and Future
The removal leaves Labour with 57 out of 85 seats on the local authority. Cllr Doyle said she would not rule out rejoining the party in future if things seriously change, but is not considering standing to retain her seat during next year’s council elections. Cllr Kemp said: “Liverpool residents deserve hard-working councillors who turn up to meetings, whether in the town hall or in their communities, and who are there to help their residents with casework. I know in lots of places in the city, the Liberal Democrats are picking up Labour’s tab when it comes to casework. We are the ones out there working hard and keeping residents informed. Next year, voters in Liverpool face a clear choice: four more years of lazy Labour or a fresh start with Carl Cashman and the Liberal Democrats.”
