Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a serious challenge after 20 councillors from Broxtowe Council in Nottinghamshire resigned from the Labour Party. This dramatic move, led by Milan Radulovic, a Labour member for over 40 years, has caused Labour to lose control of the council and raised questions about the party’s leadership and direction.
The former councillors, now calling themselves the “Broxtowe Independents,” accuse Starmer of moving away from traditional Labour values. They are unhappy with several policies, including limiting winter fuel payments, keeping the two-child benefit cap, and pushing for larger regional councils, which they see as harmful to local democracy.
Radulovic described Labour’s leadership style as a “dictatorship” and said the decision to block 10 local candidates from standing for council seats was the final straw. As a result, Labour’s numbers on the council have dropped from 26 to just six, dealing a significant blow to the party.
The political impact of this resignation could stretch beyond Broxtowe. A recent poll suggests that if a national election were held now, Labour’s parliamentary majority could be much smaller than expected.
Radulovic criticized Starmer, saying, “I cannot support another centrist government intent on destroying local democracy,” and urged him to engage with grassroots members instead of imposing decisions from above.
The Broxtowe Independents have announced plans to run in the May 2025 local elections, promising to represent local communities better. Radulovic has challenged Starmer to speak directly with the group instead of trying to silence them.
Labour’s leadership is also under fire for placing loyal candidates into safe seats, a move that has caused further division within the party.
This rebellion comes at a time when the Conservatives are attempting to recover, and Reform UK is gaining support. Starmer faces the difficult task of balancing traditional Labour values with his centrist policies.
The big question now is whether Starmer can hold the party together or if this is just the beginning of more challenges to come.
