A group of seven Slough Labour councillors recently resigned to express their dissatisfaction with the party’s treatment of Faiza Shaheen, Diane Abbott, and its stance on Gaza. In an open letter to Keir Starmer, they highlighted examples of what they perceived as institutional racism within the party.
The councillors pointed out the deselection of Shaheen and the treatment of Abbott as tipping points for their decision. They also raised concerns about threats of deselection for Slough Constituency Labour Party members who criticized Israel.
In addition, they criticized the party’s suppression of free speech and highlighted previous resignations of Labour councillors in Lancashire and the loss of control over various city councils due to issues with party leadership.
The councillors emphasized their commitment to staying true to their values and conscience, even if it meant resigning from a party they once believed in. They expressed their intention to remain independent voices for their wards and residents.