Leader of Dudley's Labour group quits party after 41 years over welfare cuts

Councillor Pete Lowe, who twice served as leader of the council, announced his decision in a withering letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

He becomes the fourth member of Dudley Council's Labour group to quit the party since the election last May, and the biggest name to date.

He has represented Lye and Stourbridge North ward since 2006. He also represented St Andrew's ward from 2003-2006.

Councillor Lowe said he would now sit as an independent alongside former Labour colleagues Councillor Steve Edwards and Councillor Karen Westwood. But he said he would not rule out forming a new group on the council.

"I will be looking at all options that give the people of Dudley a real voice and alternative, one founded on anti-austerity, tolerance and inclusion," he said

Councillor Lowe, who joined the party in 1984, described the decision as 'heartbreaking' , but said he had little choice  

"The national party is not only attacking the most vulnerable in society, but silencing voices within the party who dare to speak up," he said.

"First, they came for the pensioners and our children and now they are coming for the sick, vulnerable and disabled."

Councillor Lowe said he had recently opposed plans by the ruling Conservative group to cut £42 million from its budget.

"I cannot attack the Tories in Dudley for cutting support for the most vulnerable, whilst staying silent when the Government does the same," he said.

He said he still had great respect for his friends within the Dudley Labour group, and would continue to work with them.

Councillor Lowe was leader of Dudley Council from December 2014 to May 2017, and then from September to November 2018.