Senior Labor councilor Mus Khan quits party over ‘deep concerns’ about Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership

A senior councilor with ambitions to become Huddersfield’s next MP has quit the Labor Party in protest at Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

Clr Mus Khan, who was on a shortlist of four to replace incumbent MP Barry Sheerman, resigned citing “deep concerns” about the party’s leadership under Sir Keir.

Clr Khan, who represents Dalton, has become the fifth Labor councilor in Kirklees to leave the party this year.

The local elections saw Labor lose their overall majority, putting their ability to run the council in serious doubt.

In his statement, Clr Khan expressed his disappointment at the lack of accountability for the party’s position on international issues, particularly what he described as the “genocide in Gaza”, which he believes contradicts “the moral and ethical standards expected of a potential prime minister”. .”

Clr Khan also pointed to the “inadequate response to domestic issues” such as the NHS and the crisis in public services, which “remain unaddressed” by the party’s current leadership.

Clr Khan announced her resignation just days after controversial Tory MP Natalie Elphicke crossed to the Labor benches in the House of Commons.

Clr Khan said Labour’s acceptance of Ms Elphicke had led her to “question the moral compass of the party’s leadership”.

She added: “Given these circumstances I find it untenable to continue to support a Labor campaign for the next general election.

“As an independent representative for the borough of Dalton, I will better serve my constituents and address local issues without the constraints of party politics.”

Clr Khan, who was previously Cabinet member for health and social care under former council leader Shabir Pandor, also called for a thorough review of the Labor Party’s values ​​and direction.

She urged the Kirklees Labor Group to “prioritize principles over party loyalty, especially as our party’s values ​​have diminished”.

A war of words erupts as a new independent group threatens Labour’s hold on Kirklees Council

In January, Clr Ammar Anwar (Dewsbury West) quit Labor over the party’s stance on Gaza and was followed in February by Crosland Moor & Netherton councilors Jo Lawson and Imran Safdar and also Ebrahim Dockrat (Batley East).

When she resigned, Clr Lawson also took a swipe at Kirklees Labor Group, describing it as a “toxic quagmire”.

In the local elections, Labor lost four seats, including former leader Shabir Pandor (Batley West) and two current cabinet members Mussarat Pervaiz (Dewsbury West) and Jackie Ramsay (Dewsbury South). They were all beaten by independents.

Immediately after the election results, Clr Scott was asked if he could continue as leader. She replied: “I would hope so, but democracy prevails and it’s about the group’s decision. See.”

The Labor group will meet on Monday to elect a new leader and an MP. Current deputy leader Clr Paul Davies is stepping down to focus on his campaign to become the next MP for the Colne Valley.

All the results of the 2024 Kirklees Council election as Labor loses its overall majority