'I'll take it as a badge of honour!' Dudley councillor expelled from Labour by Keir Starmer says he has no regrets

Councillor Steve Edwards said he had no regrets about his outspoken attack, and said his expulsion from the party had probably achieved the opposite of what it was intended to do.

Councillor Edwards was informed of his expulsion on Friday, following a letter - which he published on X - which criticised the Government for cutting pensioners' winter fuel allowance and forcing local authorities to increase council tax.

"I believe you have abandoned your promises and turned your back on working-class people," he wrote.

"Labour leader lied to the British public and has turned his back on working-class people."

Speaking to the Express & Star following his expulsion, Councillor Edwards said: "For me, I was elected to represent the working class, not the Labour Party. 

"Yes, I did it because I believed the Labour Party was the best vehicle. But now the Labour Party have foregone all their principles for the reason I joined, I'll take it as a badge of honour for Keir Starmer to get so annoyed and kick me out for representing the working class."

Councillor Edwards, who had stood as an independent in 2021, rejoined the Labour Party in 2022, and was one of three successful Labour candidates in the Brockmoor and Pensnett ward at last year's 'all up' election when all 72 seats were up for grabs. Despite making significant gains, Labour failed to take control of the council, which had been led by the Tories for the past eight years.

Prior to entering politics, Councillor Edwards was known as 'Black Country Steve' for his involvement in the annual Black Country Festival.

He said that despite some reservations about Sir Keir's leadership style, he happily campaigned for the party at the last general election.