NEWLY-FORMED political party Hastings Independents are adding more members as two more former Labour Party councillors join the rebel group.
Councillors Nigel Sinden, who represents Silverhill ward and Mike Turner, joined Hastings Independents on Saturday (December 16).
East Sussex News reported Hastings Independents group was formed on December 14, with six founder members all former Labour Party councillors. They now have eight in the group.
Former Hastings Labour group whip Councillor Mike Turner, representing the Baird ward, has announced his new allegiance today (December 18) to Hastings Independents.
Mr Turner, who was a lifelong Labour Party member, said he has quit his membership because the party has “lost its moral compass” over its support for the Iraq War, not supporting a ceasefire in the current conflict in Gaza and lack of focus on local democracy.
He issued the following statement, which was published on the new party’s Facebook page.
He said: “My association with the Labour Party goes back to my childhood when my parents, as keen socialists, would allow their home to be used as an election committee room.
“As a child I ran around delivering Labour leaflets through letterboxes, then as a young adult I joined the Labour Party.
“In later life I became a shop steward when I worked in the aerospace industry as a tool maker. Wherever I moved to in the country I stayed with the Labour Party.
“When the Iraq war was declared it weighed heavy on my mind and conscience. Seeing the slaughter of Iraqis, the oil for food programme, and the death of British service personnel was hard to stomach, but I still stayed with the Labour Party.
“When Keir Starmer stood as leader of the Labour Party I supported him, however I’m now ashamed to admit that I did as he endorsed the war crime of cutting off water and electricity to Palestinians in Gaza, while Labour’s position to not support a ceasefire has been a complete disgrace.
“The sight of a young boy carrying his dead sibling through water will forever haunt me. The Labour Party has lost its moral compass, those on the Parliamentary Labour front bench should be ashamed for not supporting a ceasefire.
“Recently within the Labour Party there has been a dereliction of local democracy, not once was I asked or consulted about who my running mate was going to be in Baird ward.
“We have been unable to select our own local Parliamentary candidate and selection of councillor candidates.
“It is for these reasons I am resigning from the Labour Party, I owe it to my parents, my late wife and daughter.
“I was elected councillor for Baird ward in 2010 and have been proud to work hard for my residents, I will continue to remain committed to my residents with the integrity they elected me upon.
“I would like to thank my residents for the continued support they have given me and assure them I will continue with the same principles and values.
“What is the use of a political party gaining power if it loses its soul?”
Councillor Sinden also issued a statement, which was published on Hastings Independents Facebook page.
He said: “I have recently left the Labour Party to join with other councillors to form the Hastings Independents group on Hastings Borough Council.
“But why did I do this? I can now speak up for myself on Silverhill Ward residents concerns without putting a political Party’s views first.
“As an independent I can involve others to get things done. At Council meetings I can speak for myself, residents. and our Town without being told how to vote.
“I’m known for standing up for Silverhill Ward, this Town, and its residents, that will never change. I remain a Socialist but now one with the strings removed.
“This is a bold step forward and one that will support this town with your help.”
