Former MP decides to stand as independent

Ruth George will stand as an independent in the Derbyshire County Council elections on 1 May

A former Labour MP and deputy leader of the party in Derbyshire will stand as an independent candidate for the upcoming county council elections.

Ruth George, the former MP for High Peak, will stand as an independent candidate for her seat in Whaley Bridge in the Derbyshire County Council elections on 1 May.

George narrowly lost her High Peak seat in 2019 and became a councillor for Whaley Bridge in a 2020 by-election, before being deselected by her party in February.

She said the decision was made after being "very humbled" to hear that "hundreds of local people" wanted her to stand as an independent candidate.

It is understood George was deselected after the party had concerns about allegations of antisemitism, including when George was an MP, with a Labour source saying: "Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party."

George told the BBC she has a "proud record of standing against antisemitism".

Now choosing to become an independent, George said another reason for her decision was because she "enjoys being a county councillor".

"Following Labour's decision to prevent me from standing, the Conservatives have felt they have the best chance of winning this seat," she said.

"As an independent councillor, I will do all I can to support efficient and effective services, provided directly wherever possible.

"It has been tough with a few people in my own party seeking to put me down, but I hope that I can turn that into something positive - both for me personally, and for all of our brilliant community."

It is understood the Labour Party have terminated George's membership with immediate effect.

A full list of candidates standing in Whaley Bridge will be available on the council website early next month.