Rosie Duffield Resigns from Labour Citing Leadership’s ‘Problem with Women,’ Shakes Party Foundations

Rosie Duffield expressed surprise at her decision to leave the Labour Party, pointing to issues she believes Sir Keir Starmer has with women. The representative for Canterbury has chosen to continue her political career as an independent, officially resigning on Saturday and henceforth serving in the House of Commons without party affiliation.

Sunday, September 29, 2024, 11:

Ex-Labour representative Rosie Duffield expressed surprise over her departure from the party, stating it was something she never envisioned happening "in a million years." She also hinted that the prime minister might have issues regarding women, following her resignation.

The representative from Canterbury, who delivered a harsh resignation letter to Sir Keir Starmer last Saturday, expressed deep regret to her constituents who supported Labour, during an interview with the BBC.

"I never imagined I'd end up here. I truly didn't believe I would ever leave this gathering," she shared with the news outlet just last night.

"I'm doing my best to stay calm… it deeply affects someone like me, right in the core of my being."

"I come from a background that's quite unlike Keir Starmer's. As a single mother, I relied on the Labour Party.

"As a Labour supporter and activist who once benefited from tax credits while working in a low-paid position, it's deeply disheartening to witness what we've turned into."

Further Coverage on Labour

Complete Resignation Letter from Rosie Duffield

Rosie Duffield's letter is harsh, with the most biting criticisms aimed at the Prime Minister.

Rosie Duffield, the Member of Parliament for Canterbury, has resigned from the Labour Party, expressing criticism towards Sir Keir Starmer in her resignation letter.

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Full text of Rosie Duffield's resignation letterLetter harshly criticizes Prime MinisterStarmer's complimentary controversy centers on social class, not corruption

In her letter of resignation addressed to the prime minister, she expressed deep embarrassment over how his close group of associates had brought disgrace and shame to their once respected party.

During a discussion with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Ms. Duffield was questioned about whether she believed Sir Keir struggles with issues related to women.

She responded, "Yes, unfortunately, I have. I've been through it personally."

The MP, who is no longer affiliated with a party, mentioned that she and other women on the Labour backbenches call the group of young men associated with Sir Keir "the lads."

"She emphasized that the boys are definitely running things," she added.

"They now possess their Downing Street credentials and are the very ones undermining me in the media, as well as other notable female MPs."

In her resignation letter, she explicitly condemned Sir Keir's handling of Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott's prolonged suspension as "deeply shameful."

Speaking on Sky News about Ms. Duffield's resignation, Labour minister Pat McFadden expressed his regret over her decision but noted, "It's probably not a secret that she's been unhappy for a while."

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Addressing the issue of "sleaze" linked to Sky News reports that the prime minister accepted more complimentary gifts than any other MP, he stated he "wouldn't describe it as Rosie did" and emphasized that "no public funds were used."

He also expressed that he feels "no shame in the party" and remarked that "governing is always challenging," following Labour’s move to reduce winter fuel allowances for numerous retirees.

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Starmer 'hasn't really provided an explanation'

Ms. Duffield expressed to Kuenssberg that she finds Labour's first three months in office to be steeped in "massive hypocrisy," a situation she feels unable to associate with.

"It's purely out of greed," she stated. "What other reason is there for someone who earns far more than the average person to receive complimentary items? He can definitely pay for his own apparel, just like the rest of us can."

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She mentioned that Sir Keir has not responded to or clearly addressed the situation.

Addressing the disclosures about his contributions, he stated, "I will adhere to the regulations whenever there are donations from anyone."

Adhering to the rules is a priority for me, a point I've consistently emphasized. I made this clear before the election and reiterated it afterward. That's why, soon after the election, my team sought guidance on the necessary disclosures to ensure compliance with regulations.

"More recently, they looked for additional guidance, following which they made the necessary disclosures."

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