Sue Riley, a Labour councillor in Monmouthshire, has resigned from the party after being instructed to cancel a crucial cancer appointment to attend a budget meeting. Riley, who has been battling stage four cancer for three years, found the request intolerable and claimed her complaints about bullying within the party were ignored. She stated that she often participated in council meetings despite her health struggles, but could not do so on this occasion. The Labour whip, Steven Garratt, had asked her to change her appointment due to the importance of the budget vote. Following her resignation, Riley will continue to serve as an independent councillor, reducing Labour's representation on the council to 21 seats. Riley emphasized her commitment to her community work and expressed disappointment over the party's handling of her situation. Labour leader Mary Ann Brocklesby acknowledged the difficulty of balancing attendance with personal circumstances and expressed sadness over Riley's departure while respecting her decision.