Ninth Labour MP resigns from party
Ian Austin quits over antisemitism; won't join Independent Group
A ninth Labour MP resigned from the party on Friday in protest at its failure to deal with antisemitism among members.
Dudley North MP Ian Austin said he was leaving Labour but not joining the Independent Group set up by seven of his colleagues on Monday and joined by three Conservatives later in the week.
The former junior aide to former prime minister Gordon Brown told the Express and Star newspaper there was a “culture of extremism, antisemitism and intolerance” in Labour.
“I think the Labour party is broken and clearly things have to change but that’s not what today is about, and I’ve not talked to them (the Independent Group) about that,” he said.
Austin pro-Brexit and voted with the Tories for Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal deal that was hammered down by 230 votes. He clings is clinging on to his Midlands seat with a majority of 22 over the Conservatives and said he would not trigger a byelection.
“I am appalled at the offence and distress Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party have caused to Jewish people. It is terrible that a culture of extremism, antisemitism and intolerance is driving out good MPs and decent people who have committed their life to mainstream politics.