A group of twenty Labour councillors from Broxtowe Borough Council in Nottinghamshire have resigned from the party, citing a departure from traditional Labour values under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer. The mass resignation is a significant blow to the party, resulting in the loss of its overall control of the council.
The councillors, in a collective statement, expressed their disillusionment with what they perceive as a shift in the party's direction. They specifically criticized policies such as the reduction of winter fuel allowances for some pensioners, increased bus fares, and the party's stance on local council structures. This discontent culminated in the formation of a new independent group within the council.
The resigning members, including long-time party member and council leader Milan Radulovic, have voiced concerns about what they view as a betrayal of core Labour principles. Radulovic, particularly, highlighted his opposition to a "centrist" government and what he described as an erosion of local democracy through proposed changes to the council system.
This move follows a period of internal conflict within the Broxtowe Labour party. The group claims that several members were blocked from running in upcoming elections due to their criticism of the winter fuel policy. This internal discord has been brewing for months, including earlier controversies over candidate selection processes, which has now led to this significant split.
The impact of the resignations is immediate, with Labour no longer holding an overall majority on the Broxtowe Borough Council. The remaining Labour council members have expressed their disappointment, emphasizing their continued commitment to serving the community. They also stated that this does not affect their commitment to serving their residents, alongside their other Labour colleagues.
This local development occurs amidst broader challenges for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour party. National criticism has surfaced regarding the handling of various issues, and a recent poll indicates a decline in public confidence in the party. These factors are contributing to a period of turbulence for the party, further complicated by this local defection.
