The fact that Hessel will take the SP seat with her when she leaves is a major blow to the party. He was still part of the city council between 2014 and 2018. Hessel’s departure is an indirect result of a riot at the SP last year. Then Provincial Councilor Michel Eggermont and Floris Boudens, the intended party leader in the municipal elections, were expelled from the party by the national board. This happened because they were members of ROOD, the former youth section of the SP that advocated a more socialist course leaning towards communism.
SP loses some seat in Utrecht city council by resigning Yvonne Hessel
