Mayor-elect stands down

The deputy mayor of Brighton and Hove has resigned, it was announced this evening (Wednesday 12 November).

Councillor Ty Galvin, 85, has also been suspended by the Labour Party while a complaint is investigated. He will sit as an Independent member of Brighton and Hove City Council.

By convention, the councillor who is chosen to be deputy mayor serves for a year before becoming mayor.

Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Councillor Ty Galvin has announced his decision to step down from his role as deputy mayor of Brighton and Hove.

“Councillor Galvin will continue to represent residents in Hanover and Elm Grove as their local councillor.

“A new deputy mayor will be elected at December full council.”

Councillor Galvin’s suspension followed a complaint but the party did not disclose the nature of the complaint or whether it came from someone inside the party or someone external.

Nor did the party say what steps would be taken and the timescale for resolving the matter.

Labour said: “The Labour Party takes all complaints seriously and they are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate action is taken.”

Councillor Galvin, 85, told Brighton and Hove News: “I consider the complaint to be vexatious and I’m taking legal advice. For that reason, I can’t make any further statements at the moment.”

In Brighton and Hove, the mayor and deputy mayor have a ceremonial role – unlike the elected executive mayor in places such as London or Manchester who have responsibility for policy-making.

Sussex is due to have its first elected mayor from next May, taking charge of policy areas such as economic growth, strategic planning, infrastructure and housing and transport.

In Brighton and Hove, the mayor is the first citizen who represents the city and the council, welcoming official visitors and chairing meetings of the full council.