LONG-standing Lliswerry Councillor Allan Morris was not selected to the list of approved candidates because his principal residence is no longer in Newport, the leader of the Labour-run Newport City Council has said.

Last week, the Argus reported that four Labour councillors in Newport were de-selected ahead of next year’s council election.

Councillor Allan Morris was not included on the approved candidate list by the city’s Labour Candidate Forum, while the other three councillors - Gaer Councillor Herbie Thomas and Caerleon councillors Cliff Suller and Paul Huntley – were de-selected by their respective wards.

Council leader Debbie Wilcox said: “I’m extremely sorry that councillor colleagues will be leaving Newport City Council at the next election.

“I’ve worked closely with them over many years and I value the contribution they’ve made to their communities and to the council.

“The process undertaken was in line with Labour Party procedures led by the Newport Labour Candidate Forum.

“It was slightly different for Cllr Morris whose principal residence is no longer in Newport.

“He was not de-selected by his branch but was not added to the approved candidate list by the NLCF after a democratic process had been undertaken and was therefore unavailable for selection.

“There was an appeal process open to him but I believe he did not take up this option.”

Cllr Morris said he was "bitterly disappointed" by the decision.

"I don’t think I deserve what has happened to me," he said.

“I was bitterly disappointed and I was also very concerned that, at the meeting, there was no representative of the Lliswerry ward to speak on my behalf.

“I think it’s up to the people of Lliswerry and Nash who they want as a councillor, not the group.

“I think it should have been my own Lliswerry ward who de-selected me and that I should have been given a chance to stand in front of the people I represent.

“In 30 years, I’ve never had any complaints and I’ve made a success of every job.”

Newport’s Labour group said the process is a positive, democratic selection of new blood, including new female, ethnic minority and younger candidates.