A MAYOR who was sacked from his job as care manager after whistleblowing has vowed not to stand down from his ceremonial role despite calls for his resignation.

Councillor Stephen-Akers Belcher, Mayor of Hartlepool, worked for Newcastle City Council where he managed a team of about 30 staff within the its Community Mental Health Service.

He was dismissed on July 24 after making allegations about the authorities’ protection of vulnerable adults, but he is appealing the decision.

“I do not see the point in stepping down until the outcome of the appeal is decided,” he said.

“I have raised almost £100,000 for charity and I want to continue to do the good work that I set out to do when I was appointed, he said.

“I have to be strong. I am going to carry on as I have been doing because I have done nothing wrong.”

“I’ve raised concerns, however I’m now worried that other people will see how I’ve been treated and stop coming forward,” added the councillor who represents the Manor House ward.

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council said: “We can confirm that a member of staff has been dismissed from his employment with the city council.

“He is appealing against that decision and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to comment further on this matter.

“He recently made a series of allegations - not related to child sex exploitation - which we take very seriously.

“They will be thoroughly investigated through our safeguarding procedures in line with normal practice.”

Several Hartlepool councillors have demanded Coun Akers-Belcher’s resignation including Councillor Geoff Lilley, who said: “I think he should do the right thing. I understand he is waiting for an employment tribunal but, at the very least he should stand down and allow his deputy, Mary Fleet, to take over the job.

“If he is totally vilified I will be the first to say he should come back.”

But Councillor Ray Martin-Wells, on behalf of Hartlepool Conservative group, said it did not believe the mayor should step down.

“This is a private matter between Coun Akers-Belcher and his employers,”he said.“I am not aware of the facts surrounding the situation, nor do I believe anybody else is and therefore I think it would be extremely inappropriate to pass judgement.”

And a spokesman for Hartlepool Borough Council added: “This is a personal matter which does not affect Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher’s position as a councillor or ceremonial mayor.”