Duffield’s Devastating Departure: Scathing Critique Targets PM and Exposes Deep Party Rifts

Rosie Duffield's letter is brutally candid, with particularly harsh criticisms aimed at the Prime Minister. As Sir Keir Starmer attempts to shift focus away from the controversy surrounding donations, Ms. Duffield has accused his administration of unprecedented levels of "corruption, favoritism, and blatant greed."

Political reporter @serenabarksing

Sunday, September 29, 2024, 2:

It's somewhat expected when you think about it.

Rosie Duffield has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the party, particularly regarding its stance on gender issues, and she has eagerly expressed her dissent towards Sir Keir Starmer.

What stands out is the intensity and harshness of the letter—it's quite brutal—and the harshest criticisms are specifically directed at the prime minister.

Full Text of Rosie Duffield's Resignation Letter

She describes his latest actions of eliminating the majority of winter fuel allowances for retirees and maintaining the two-child limit on benefits (for the time being) as "harsh."

She questions: "Compelling a decision that exacerbates the sickness and discomfort of numerous elderly individuals while you and your preferred peers partake in complimentary family outings to events that most would need to budget tightly for – how is it that you display no apparent shame or regret?"

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Throughout the week, Sir Keir has been addressing concerns about certain donations while attempting to shift focus away from this controversy. However, Ms. Duffield criticized his administration for what she described as unprecedented levels of "corruption, favoritism, and blatant greed."

She adds, "It's disheartening to see someone of considerable wealth uphold the Conservative's two-child cap on welfare benefits, a policy that deepens childhood poverty, all while paradoxically receiving lavish personal gifts like designer suits and eyewear. I am deeply embarrassed by how you and your close associates have dishonored and degraded our once esteemed party."

Ms. Duffield revisits an incident from the campaign trail when there was uncertainty about whether the first Black female MP could participate in the election.

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"She noted the troubling treatment directed at Diane Abbott, the current Mother of the House, which sparked criticism from constituents of varied political affiliations."

"A woman with her significant political standing and historical importance merits respect and backing, irrespective of any political disagreements."

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Labour declined to comment on the matter Saturday evening, which is noteworthy for a couple of reasons.

The situation is harmful not only due to the attention it draws to the controversy surrounding donations—a situation the government wished to quiet—but also because voter dissatisfaction in the recent election stemmed significantly from the disorder and division within the Conservative Party, issues that Labour highlighted.

Sir Keir's election victory was based on prioritizing national interests over political gamesmanship, yet an early defection might suggest it's just business as usual.

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