Dudley Council Labour rebels form new independent group
Six former Labour councillors who left the party in a row over welfare cuts have formed a new group.
This week four members of Dudley Council's opposition Labour group - including leader Councillor Pete Lowe - quit the party in protest at the Government's plans to cut disability benefits. They joined Councillor Steve Edwards, who was expelled from the party in February for his comments about Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Councillor Karen Westwood who this month also resigned from the party.
They have formed the Dudley Independent Group (Dig), which is also in talks with Dudley's other independent councillor, former Tory Shaun Keasey who quit the party 18 months ago.
Councillor Lowe said: "Whilst we discuss further how we can develop a real political alternative for the proud people of Dudley, we will be free to express an alternative and independent voice.
"My message will be clear: Local voice for local politics, no to austerity, no to cuts, community first."
Councillor Lowe said he had received hundreds of messages since he announced his resignation on Wednesday night, and thanked them for their support.
Councillor Lowe, who represents Lye and Stourbridge North, is joined by Councillors Edwards and Westwood who represent Brockmoor and Pensnett, Councillor Karl Denning who represents Castle & Priory, Coseley's Councillor Peter Drake, Councillor Matt Cook who represents Brierley Hill and Wordsley North.
Councillor Keasey, who resigned from the Conservatives in October 2023, saying it had become 'extreme', was re-elected in Sedgley ward last year after standing as an independent. Councillor Keasey said he had been in talks about joining the new group, but was yet to commit.
Dig now becomes the third largest political group on the council, holding six of the 72 seats. The Conservatives hold 35 seats, two short of an overall majority, Labour 26, Dig seven, the Liberal Democrats four, plus Councillor Keasey.
