Long-serving councillor resigns from Labour

A long-serving Birmingham councillor has resigned from the Labour Party, saying he no longer recognises the organisation he spent most of his life supporting.

Majid Mahmood, who represents Bromford and Hodge Hill, announced on Friday he was resigning from the party with immediate effect as his views no longer "fit comfortably" in the party.

His departure leaves Labour with 15 councillors on Birmingham City Council, down from the 65 seats it held in 2022.

Mahmood, who was first elected in 2011, said he joined Labour because he believed in the movement, but now felt that "the party has left me, not the other way around".

The Labour Party's Birmingham group said he had "repeatedly sought to undermine the group and its new leadership".

In a lengthy resignation statement, Mahmood said: "I joined and supported Labour for the best part of my life because I believed in a political movement rooted in working people, strong local democracy, equality, genuine internal pluralism.

"I no longer believe it reflects those principles."

The councillor also criticised Birmingham Labour's leadership, claiming there was a "consistent culture of avoidance and opacity" and that questions from members were often ignored.

He added: "In my view, the current local leadership lacks the experience, judgement, and political competence required to effectively manage a group in a city as complex and demanding as Birmingham."

Among other reasons for leaving, Mahmood raised concerns about Labour's immigration policy and the party's handling of the conflict in Gaza.

He also said expectations were placed on councillors to support the appointment of Reform UK members into influential committee positions.

The city council has been under the spotlight since May's local elections, which left no party with overall control.

The Liberal Democrats now lead a minority administration supported by the Greens and Better Birmingham Independent Group.

Despite leaving the party, Mahmood said he would continue representing residents in his ward as an independent councillor.

Responding to the resignation, a Birmingham Labour Group spokesperson said it would "continue working as a team".

"[Mahmood] had the opportunity to stand for group leader and make his case to colleagues but chose not to.

"Our priority will always be Birmingham residents. The Labour Group will continue working as a united team, providing a strong and constructive opposition and serving our communities across the city."

Mahmood previously served as the council's cabinet member responsible for waste services.

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