Councillor Steve Edwards is out after criticizing Keir Starmer. He accused Starmer of betraying working-class voters.
Edwards sent Starmer a critical letter on February 3rd, urging more support for ordinary citizens. The party then ended his membership. Edwards expected this, feeling he criticized Starmer often and thought Starmer betrayed working-class interests.
Edwards felt apprehensive about Starmer as Prime Minister. Starmer made promises, then quickly changed his mind. Edwards believes the party doesn’t listen to ordinary members and stated that Starmer offered the working class no help.
Edwards strongly accused Starmer of betrayal and lying. Labour avoids commenting on membership issues. They clarified that Starmer had no involvement. Councillor Pete Lowe, Dudley’s Labour leader, expressed sadness and called Edwards a strong campaigner whom he respected.
Labour thrives as a diverse group with shared goals. Edwards was a Labour member for about eight years. He left to run independently in 2021, afterward rejoining in 2022.
Edwards, age 41, will now serve as an independent councillor. Brockmoor’s representation is now mixed, Karen Westwood is Labour, and Alex Dale represents Conservatives. Labour finished third in a December 2024 by-election.
Edwards feels deeply saddened by his expulsion. He believes he was removed for speaking for the working class. Edwards maintains Labour is the best for social change, but he feels Starmer is too establishment focused.
