Cllr Pete Lowe, has resigned his position as Leader of Dudley Labour Group and left the Labour party.

Cllr Lowe, who represents Lye and Stourbridge North, has been a member of the Labour party for more than 40 years and was first elected to Dudley council in 2006.

He was re-elected as Labour leader in 2023, having served in the role - and as council leader - from December 2014 to May 2017 and again for two months in 2018.

Speaking about his decision, he said: "I always believed I could better serve my community from within the Labour party, but I no longer believe that is the case under Keir Starmers’ leadership.

"The National Party is not only attacking the most vulnerable in society but silencing voices within the party who dare to speak up.

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

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

"I have stayed, hoping I could influence, change and create Labour policy but my voice too has been ignored."

Cllr Lowe will now sit as an independent member on Dudley Council, joining Cllr Steve Edwards who had his membership terminated by the party earlier this year. 

He added: "I have much respect for my friends and colleagues within the Dudley Labour Group and will work with them where I can to promote a fairer community.

"I will additionally be looking at all options that give the people of Dudley a real voice and alternative, one founded on Anti-Austerity, tolerance and inclusion.

"I am leaving the Labour Party to spend more time on the politics of the people."