Mayor of Hartlepool sacked from day job at Newcastle City Council

The mayor of Hartlepool has been sacked from his day job as team leader in the Community Mental Health Service department at Newcastle City Council.

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher was suspended for a couple of months earlier this year before being sacked for gross misconduct in July. Cllr Akers-Belcher protests his innocence and says he is appealing his dismissal.