Starmer is the reason why I tore up my party membership

I have torn up my Labour Party membership, having joined in 1964 when I came to London for university. I decided to leave in August after Sir Keir Starmer, as party leader, announced what I think are destructive Brexit policies.

- ANNE MCHARDY

I thought I would rejoin after the party conference. However, that conference, with Sir Keir wrapping himself in the union flag, was so offensive to everything I believe Labour should stand for that I was determined to stay out.

The weekly attempts now, detailed on Labour List, to control constituency selections to prevent election candidates deemed left wing being chosen, as well as the refusal to build constructive relations with the unions, confirms my decision.

Why should Sir Keir give my resignation a moment's thought? Well, as Labour's 2021 financial report published in August shows, 90,000 members have already left since he became leader. I am aware of others, including myself, who have left this year, so the number is now 90,000 and rising.

In my constituency, Islington North, where the MP and former leader Jeremy Corbyn is foremost among those Sir Keir would like to impose a candidate against, I know more who will leave if that happens.