A former leader of Nottingham City Council and long-serving councillor has resigned his membership of the Labour Party after 36 years, claiming it has become “defined by hatred towards others” and led by a man who lacks “intellect and ability”.
Brian Parbutt stood down at the local elections last week after 26 years as a Labour councillor, 24 of those representing Sherwood ward on the city council. He has served as leader, in 2002, and deputy leader, among other posts.
But the veteran politician has announced he is leaving Labour and will join Change.UK, which includes the Nottingham East MP, Chris Leslie.
Mr Parbutt claims an influx of hard left members now dominate the leadership, conference, the NEC and senior party staff destroying the "social democratic nature" of Labour.
David Mellen is the new leader of Nottingham City Council
He said: “They offer a politics which has nothing to do with the traditions of the Labour Party and which has shown it to be sectional, intolerant and often defined by hatred towards others rather than the traditional Labour values of being inclusive and uniting,” he said.
“The Labour Party is led by a man who lacks the character, temperament, intellect and ability to be Prime Minister. Many Labour voters tell the party this continually on the doorsteps but they are ignored as he remains hugely popular with the far left activist base of the party."
Mr Parbutt was first elected to Nottinghamshire County Council in 1993 and became a city councillor two years later.
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