LABOUR councillors are hitting back at local government cuts. Yesterday they kicked party establishment figures off the party’s national executive committee in favour of anti-austerity candidates.

In the local government section of the ballot, Coventry council leader Ann Lucas lost and Simon Henig lost out. Ms Lucas has been on the NEC for five years and Mr Henig is the chair of the Association of Labour Councillors. Both are associated with the party’s right. The surprise winner was north London councillor Alice Perry, who won on a manifesto pledge to oppose all further cuts to council budgets.

The other spot was taken by Oldham council leader Jim McMahon. He stood on a joint ticket with Ms Perry.

“I’m honoured and delighted by this result,” Ms Perry told the Star. “Jim and I are looking forward to campaigning for a fairer funding model for local government.”