Kirklees councillor Musarrat Khan quits Labour over party’s ‘moral direction’

Councillor Musarrat Khan will now serve as an independent on Kirklees Council

A Labour councillor in Huddersfield has resigned from the party after questioning its "moral direction" under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer.

Musarrat Khan, who represents Dalton, is the fifth Labour member on Kirklees Council to quit the party in 2024.

She said she was "troubled" by a lack of an apology for Sir Keir's stance on Gaza and welcoming former Tory Natalie Elphicke to the party was "alarming".

However, Labour said Ms Khan was suspended from the party on Friday.

A statement from the party said: "Mus Khan has been administratively suspended from membership of the Labour Party, pending investigation.

"We cannot comment on individual cases on the record because our disciplinary proceedings are independent and confidential."

'History and views'

Ms Khan was on a shortlist of four people to replace outgoing Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman, who has represented the town since 1979.

Confirming her resignation on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the councillor said she was leaving with a "with a heavy heart" and would now serve as an independent.

She shared her resignation letter to Sir Keir, which said: "I am troubled by your lack of apology for your stance on the situation in Gaza, which contradicts the moral and ethical standards expected of a potential Prime Minister.

"Additionally, your silence on pressing issues such as the NHS and public services is concerning."

She added that the decision to welcome Ms Elphicke was alarming "given her history and views".

"This raises questions about the party's moral direction," she wrote.

Labour lost overall control of Kirklees Council at the recent local elections, with no party able to command a majority.

With Ms Khan quitting the party, Labour has 30 seats out of 69 but continues to run the council as a minority administration.

Analysis: Gemma Dillon, BBC West Yorkshire political reporter

This latest defection piles more pressure on the Labour group in Kirklees.

The authority still faces tough financial decisions as it tries to balance the books like other councils across the country.

With no local elections next year in the borough, it should be a moment where the ruling group has space to make tough decisions without an imminent ballot.

However, as Labour has no overall majority, it will be even more challenging to vote through the measures required.

Councillors will have to find a way to overcome their differences to work cross party - and that will require strong leadership.