Leader of Dudley's Labour group quits party after 41 years over welfare cuts
The leader of Dudley Council's opposition Labour group has quit the party in protest against the Government's plan to cut benefits.
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Councillor Pete Lowe, who twice served as leader of the council, announced his decision in a withering letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
He becomes the fourth member of Dudley Council's Labour group to quit the party since the election last May, and the biggest name to date.
He has represented Lye and Stourbridge North ward since 2006. He also represented St Andrew's ward from 2003-2006.
Councillor Lowe said he would now sit as an independent alongside former Labour colleagues Councillor Steve Edwards and Councillor Karen Westwood. But he said he would not rule out forming a new group on the council.
"I will be looking at all options that give the people of Dudley a real voice and alternative, one founded on anti-austerity, tolerance and inclusion," he said
Councillor Lowe, who joined the party in 1984, described the decision as 'heartbreaking' , but said he had little choice
"The national party is not only attacking the most vulnerable in society, but silencing voices within the party who dare to speak up," he said.
