Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield has announced her resignation from the Labour Party, citing her dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and its direction under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The 53-year-old is the first MP to leave Labour since the recent general election, and her resignation letter included sharp criticism of Starmer’s acceptance of luxury gifts and the policies pursued by his administration.
In her resignation letter, Duffield lambasted the prime minister and his team, accusing them of “sleaze, nepotism, and apparent avarice” and describing their conduct as “off the scale.” She expressed her disillusionment with Labour, stating, “I’m so ashamed of what you and your inner circle have done to tarnish and humiliate our once proud party.
Duffield’s decision comes after a Sky News investigation revealed that Starmer has accepted more gifts and hospitality than any other MP since becoming Labour leader. Since December 2019, Starmer has received over £107,000 in gifts, benefits, and hospitality, a figure that has drawn criticism from within and outside of the party.
In her resignation, Duffield, who has previously clashed with Starmer over gender issues, took aim at several policies the government has maintained, including the decision to keep the two-child benefit cap and means-testing the winter fuel payment. She called these moves “cruel and unnecessary” and accused the prime minister of hypocrisy for accepting personal luxury gifts while keeping policies that, she argued, entrench children in poverty.
Someone with far-above-average wealth choosing to keep the Conservatives’ two-child limit to benefit payments while inexplicably accepting expensive personal gifts of designer suits and glasses—this is entirely undeserving of holding the title of Labour prime minister,” she said.
Duffield also referenced the recent treatment of former Labour MP Diane Abbott, who initially claimed she was barred from standing for re-election before Starmer confirmed she could defend her seat. The issue highlighted growing tensions between the leadership and certain members of the party.
Her resignation also comes after seven Labour MPs were suspended for voting against the party line to abolish the two-child benefit cap, reflecting deepening divides within the Labour ranks.
Despite resigning from the Labour Party, Duffield confirmed that she would continue to represent her Canterbury constituents as an independent MP, pledging to be “guided by my core Labour values.” She expressed her commitment to her community, stating that she would remain focused on the interests of her constituents while distancing herself from the party leadership.
