Ellie Ames 06 November 2023

Burnley councillors quit over Starmer’s position on Gaza

Burnley councillors quit over Starmer’s position on Gaza image
Image: Martin Suker / Shutterstock.com

Burnley Borough Council's leader and nine other councillors at the authority have left the Labour Party over Keir Starmer's stance on the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

It takes the number of Labour councillors at Burnley from 22 to 12, out of 45 total seats.

Lancashire county councillor Usman Arif, who represents Burnley North East, has also left the party.

The councillors said in a statement: ‘Since the onset of the violence in Gaza/Israel, we, as a collective, have consistently used our roles as councillors to advocate on behalf of our communities to bring peace by urging the leadership to call for a release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire.

‘We strongly condemn the loss of any innocent life without reservation.’

They had urged Mr Starmer to call for a ceasefire, and later called on the Labour leader to resign.

The councillors added: ‘We always felt it was our responsibility as elected members to work to effect change from within.

‘However, despite our persistent endeavours, it has become apparent that Keir Starmer and the leadership either cannot or will not heed our concerns or acknowledge the sentiments within our communities.’

They said they were resigning with immediate effect and would continue to represent their communities as independent councillors.

The resignations come after Labour lost its majority on Oxford City Council when nine councillors resigned from the party over its stance on the conflict.

Senior Labour local government figures have joined calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, including London mayor Sadiq Khan and the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Solicitor/ Barrister / Chartered Legal Executive Commercial & Contracts (x2)

Warwickshire County Council
£50,856 to £57,083 per annum
Warwickshire Legal Services (WLS) are looking for two qualified lawyers to join their award-winning, motivated, and nationally recognised legal team. Warwick
Recuriter: Warwickshire County Council

Head of Finance and Deputy s151 Officer

Conwy County Borough Council
£77,153 - £88,545
We are looking for an experienced and strategic financial leader who can operate confidently in a complex, political and fast-changing environment. Colwyn Bay, Conwy
Recuriter: Conwy County Borough Council

ICT Engineer Digital Squad

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Microsoft 365 Team for an ICT Engineer (Microsoft 365). This role will support Durham County Council's B Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Storekeeper Driver

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
An opportunity has come up in Highways Services for a Storekeeper/Driver.  They will assist the Stores Supervisor in delivering a customer focussed St Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Care Support

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 (pay award pending)
We're recruiting to a permanent role within our Pathways Service, which delivers day services to adults with complex needs, Monday to Friday. There i Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner