Ex-Labour MP quits party over 'authoritarian' agenda

The former Labour MP Beth Winter has quit the party, accusing it of pursuing an "authoritarian political agenda"

Ms Winter, who represented Cynon Valley from 2019 to 2024, said Labour’s current objective was to "retain the neoliberal status quo, serve corporate interests and protect the ruling class".

In 2023, Ms Winter, who is a supporter of former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, called for a review of selection processes after losing out in a contest for a new seat following boundary changes.

The Labour Party has been approached for comment.

"The Labour Party’s unprecedented persecution and ruthless treatment of its own socialist members, representatives and voters is disgraceful", said Ms Winter in a statement.

She said she was elected on Labour’s 2019 manifesto and said she remains comitted "to that manifesto’s vision for a fairer, more equal, and greener society ‘for the many, not the few'.

"Sadly, the Labour Party no longer represents that socialist vision and I have, therefore, decided today to cease my membership."

She said the, now "unrecognisable", Labour Party's budget last week was a "missed opportunity" which resulted in "continued austerity, inequality, poverty, and hardship for millions of people".

She also criticised the UK government for not lifting the two child benefit cap and scrapping universal winter fuel payments.

The Labour Party has been asked for a response.