Pete Lowe, the Labour group leader of a Conservative-run council in Dudley, has resigned from the Labour party after 41 years due to dissatisfaction with new welfare cuts he deems essential issues affecting vulnerable populations. Lowe criticized government actions, particularly concerning women's pensions and winter fuel payments, that he believes contribute to the stigmatisation of the needy. He stated his intention to advocate for his community without the constraints of party lines, pledging support for anti-austerity initiatives. The Labour party expressed disappointment over his departure, highlighting the challenges they face in reforming a flawed welfare system inherited from the Conservatives.
"I always believed I could better serve my community from within the Labour Party. I no longer believe that is the case."
"I object to the stigmatisation of the most vulnerable, including the decisions over women's pensions and cuts to pensioners' winter fuel payments."
"One founded on anti-austerity, tolerance and inclusion, a voice for the people of our community - one free from the constraints of Westminster."
"Labour inherited a broken welfare system from the Conservatives which risked a generation of young people being written off."
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