LEEDS City Council has confirmed Coun Julie Heselwood is no longer a deputy member of the authority’s decision-making executive board.

It follows an apology from Coun Heselwood after she made a now-deleted Facebook post suggesting Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s admission to hospital for COVID-19 symptoms was a ‘publicity-stunt’.

Coun Heselwood, Labour Councillor for Bramley and Stanningley, had served as the council’s deputy executive member for learning, skills and employment, meaning she provided support for the main portfolio holder for that department.

However, a notice published this week by Leeds City Council shows the council leader had updated the list of the authority’s support executive members, with Coun Heselwood’s name no longer included.

The council’s leader’s office confirmed this afternoon Coun Heselwood was no longer a deputy executive member.

Coun Heselwood has been approached for a comment.

The Labour Party had confirmed last week that Coun Heselwood had deleted and apologised for the original Facebook post.

She added in a statement at the time: “I am deeply sorry for my crass and offensive comments about Boris Johnson’s hospital treatment.

“I was wrong, I should never have made that claim and I apologise unreservedly. I wish the Prime Minister a speedy recovery and my thoughts are with him and his family at what I know is a very difficult time for them.”

Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital on Monday April 6, having spent a number of days self-isolating with COVID-19 symptoms. He has since been discharged from hospital.