Deputy council leader resigns over welfare reforms

The deputy leader of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has resigned over the government's recently announced welfare reforms.

Last week, changes to the benefits system were set out, including stricter eligibility criteria for disability payments, in a bid to save £5bn.

Councillor David Sheppard criticised the move and accused the Labour Party of choosing to "target people who need support the most" in a statement on Tuesday.

Council leader Chris Read said Sheppard's decision to resign was "deeply disappointing".

"[Sheppard] has been a hardworking Labour councillor for the last nine years and I have enjoyed working with him very much. I respect his choice of course – but I disagree with it," Read said.

"Our local Labour team will continue to work hard for the borough and I know that Dave will continue to support us on the local platform on which we were all elected."

Sheppard was first elected to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in 2016, and is the current cabinet member for social inclusion, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Sheppard said he would still support the work Labour is doing at a local level but could not continue in his role in light of the recent announcement.

"To me, it is unconscionable that when faced with the financial crisis left to us by the previous Tory government, the Labour Party has chosen to target people who need support the most," he said.

"I have always held the belief that government should do what it can to equalise the injustices within society.

"Sadly, this and other recent announcements have led me to conclude that this is currently not the case."

The Department for Work and Pensions has been approached for comment.

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