Blair ally in suspension appeal

County councillors appointed an independent expenses review

A Durham county councillor who is one of Tony Blair's closest allies is starting his appeal against his suspension from the council's Labour group.

Paul Trippett was one of the original five Labour members to nominate Mr Blair as party candidate for the Sedgefield constituency.

Mr Trippett, who works at Trimdon Labour Club, also helped organise the Prime Minister's party in June to mark two decades of representing Sedgefield in Parliament.

The councillor fell out with his colleagues because they awarded themselves an extra £1,000 a year on their expenses, taking an average allowance to more than £8,000 pounds a year.

Regional party

He said it was immoral because they did not have the public's support for the rise after cutting schools and old people's accommodation.

On Monday, Mr Trippett is appealing against his suspension to the Regional Labour Party, which has the power to reinstate him.

Councillor Trippett, who represents Trimdon, claims he does not understand why he has been suspended.

The increased payment was part of a package recommended by a pay body chaired by Sir Kenneth Calman, the vice-chancellor of Durham University.

Ken Manton, leader of the ruling Labour group on the council, said the recommendations were fair and were supported by his party.