A REBEL York councillor has been suspended from his party following his scathing attack on its leadership.

The action was taken against Coun Christian Vassie after he accused Liberal Democrat chiefs who control City of York Council of “a lack of democracy” and crucial errors on a string of issues.

The Wheldrake councillor, who is also York’s energy champion, criticised local party bosses over plans for a £900 million waste incinerator, their handling of the Barbican Centre and community stadium projects and the city’s Big Wheel, and the way he claimed the local party’s leadership election and selection of a by-election candidate were conducted.

In an email seen by The Press, Francesca Marritt, who chairs Yorkshire and Humber Liberal Democrats, told Coun Vassie he was in breach of membership rules and suspended with immediate effect, following a York party member’s complaint.

Coun Vassie said: “Going public on these issues was not easy, nor was the decision taken lightly.

“I am obviously sad to be suspended, but I have no regrets and look forward to participating and co-operating in whatever process is put in place to investigate my conduct in revealing what is going in within the Liberal Democrats in York.

“I will hope they resist the temptation to shoot the messenger. I and others have been discussing the situation in York with the regional and national bodies of the party for more than two years and they are well aware of the issues. I will continue to try to represent the people of Wheldrake ward and the city to the best of my ability.”

Council leader Andrew Waller claimed Coun Vassie had struggled to work with others in the party and had “marginalised himself”.

Coun Vassie challenged Coun Waller’s suggestion in The Press yesterday that he lacked honour. He said: “If he is indeed suggesting I am dishonourable, he should explain and justify his allegation. If not he should withdraw the remark.”