The new leaders of Labour on Brighton and Hove City Council

Last night, councillors Carmen Appich and John Allcock were chosen as leaders of the party on Brighton and Hove City Council.

They share the role as a “united team” to provide “security and constructive opposition” to the ruling Green administration.

Incumbent Nancy Platts announced her intention to leave the role to focus on her business in March.

Councillor Appich previously served as chairwoman of the city's tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee.

New joint-leader of the Labour Group, Carmen Appich

She stepped down from the role in November after branding a former Labour councillor a "b***h" during a Zoom meeting where she thought she was on mute.

The Westbourne Ward representative was at the forefront of the pledge to become an anti-racist council amid Black Lives Matter protests last year.

The councillor, elected in 2019, rebelled against the previous leadership earlier this year, abstaining in a vote for the Homeless Bill of Rights.

Councillor John Allcock previously served as chairman of the council’s children, young people and skills committee.

New joint-leader of the Labour Group, John Allcock

He started the first meeting as chief by offering a “direct and unreserved” apology to parents and carers of children affected by the home to school transport fiasco.

In June last year, the Goldsmid Ward representative told schools in the city to ignore government coronavirus guidelines to open to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils.

Labour has 17 councillors on the city council.

The ruling Greens now have 20 after taking the Hollingdean and Stanmer seat previously held Labour at last week’s by-election.