Disaster for Keir Starmer after shock defection to the Tories over Winter Fuel cut

Keir Starmer suffered a blow this morning after a Labour councillor sensationally crossed the floor to the , resulting in Labour losing its majority.

The political humiliation occurred in Nuneaton, where Labour won control by just one seat in May this year.

However, after a series of political rows around cuts to and the tractor tax, a Labour councillor crossed the floor to the in a brutal statement about ’s political fortunes.

Councillor Will Markham of the Bedworth Heath ward blasted his former Labour colleagues for “acting in their own interests” and ignoring the views of residents.

Announcing the news, the local Conservative association accused the Labour group of “shafting” residents, including squandering money and refusing to defend local woodlands in a planning dispute.

They also said the defection spoke to the growing anger around Rachel Reeves’ cuts to Winter Fuel Allowance, and the hike in farmers’ inheritance tax.

They said the latter has “screwed over local Warwickshire farmers, a number of which are from Bedworth.”

The defecting councillor, Mr Markham, explained: “The reason I have crossed the floor is the way certain Labour members are running the council. They are acting in their own interests rather than considering the residents.”

“I have been ostracised by some of the group for speaking out. I feel I am unable to represent my residents because I don’t have the freedom to vote other than a whipped vote on such things as the Bulkington lights, the increase in allowances for councillors and the Bedworth councillors are being left out on a limb, some even being told they can’t represent their residents at a planning meeting.

“The did an excellent job over the last three years getting regeneration money into Bedworth, and I know I will get more support from the to represent my residents”.

Local Tory leader Kris Wilson delighted in the defection, acknowledging it “won’t have been an easy decision for him”.

He added: “Like many residents in Bedworth and beyond, he cannot stand the chaos and confusion from Labour both locally and nationally have caused.”

“He has put Bedworth and his residents first, recognising that it is only with the local Conservative team that we can stand up together for Bedworth.”

It’s reported that the move caught the local Labour group “by surprise”, and they are yet to issue a statement.

It’s just the latest blow to , as Labour has been haemorrhaging council seats since the July election.

According to analysis, Labour has lost around one in four of its council seats up for by-elections.

Of the 166 council seat by-elections since July, Labour has lost 24 of its 86 seats.

The are the main benefactors, putting adding 23 to their total.