A Birmingham councillor has quit Labour amid “serious concerns about the current state” of the party’s local group in the city. Coun Majid Mahmood, a former cabinet member, announced his resignation from the Labour Party with immediate effect in a scathing statement today.
He raised several issues, arguing that “the current local leadership lacks the […] political competence required to effectively manage a group in a city as complex and demanding as Birmingham.” Mahmood also expressed deep concern over Labour’s immigration policy and the stance of senior figures on Gaza.
Birmingham Labour responded by accusing Mahmood of seeking to “undermine the Labour group and its new leadership.” This marks the second resignation from Birmingham Labour since last month’s local elections, reducing their councillor count to 15.
Mahmood’s Statement
“I joined and supported Labour for the best part of my life because I believed in a political movement rooted in working people, strong local democracy, equality, justice, fairness and genuine internal pluralism,” Mahmood wrote. “I no longer believe it reflects those principles.”
He voiced serious concerns about the Birmingham Labour Group, stating: “Far too often, questions from members are ignored or left unanswered, and there is little to no meaningful feedback loop between leadership and those expected to deliver decisions on the ground. This is not an isolated issue but a consistent culture of avoidance and opacity.”
Mahmood continued: “In my view, the current local leadership lacks the experience, judgement, and political competence required to effectively manage a group in a city as complex and demanding as Birmingham. These are matters of personal experience and perception, but they have contributed to a loss of confidence in internal processes and accountability.”
Specific Concerns
He also highlighted expectations placed on representatives to support the elevation of Reform UK councillors into influential committee positions. “Many residents view Reform UK as a party that has contributed to hostility toward Muslims and minority communities,” Mahmood said.
On immigration, he stated: “I am also deeply concerned by the direction of Labour’s immigration policy, which appears increasingly shaped by political expediency rather than principle or long-term vision.” Regarding Gaza, Mahmood expressed dismay at the refusal of many senior Labour figures to acknowledge the scale of the humanitarian catastrophe, calling it a deeply felt rupture for many, particularly within Muslim communities.
He concluded: “There remain many committed individuals within the party who continue to serve their communities with integrity and dedication, and I wish them well. I also hope that serious reflection takes place on the direction the party is travelling in and the values it now represents. My views no longer fit comfortably within a Labour Party. Ultimately, the Labour Party has left me, not the other way around. I will continue to work to represent the people of Bromford and Hodge Hill with my ward colleague Coun Diane Donaldson and to stand up for the communities and values that first led me into public service.”
Labour’s Response
A Birmingham Labour Group spokesperson responded: “Since the local elections, Coun Mahmood has repeatedly sought to undermine the Labour Group and its new leadership. He had the opportunity to stand for Group Leader and make his case to colleagues, but chose not to. Labour members were elected to work as a team for Birmingham residents and Coun Mahmood has decided barely a month after being elected on a Labour ticket he no longer wants to be part of that team. Our priority will always be Birmingham residents. The Labour Group will continue working as a united team, providing a strong and constructive opposition and serving our communities across the city.”
This is another blow for Coun Nicky Brennan, who took over Birmingham Labour just weeks ago after the local elections. Last week, Diane Donaldson, a Labour councillor for a decade in Hodge Hill and Bromford, resigned after being ordered to vote with Reform at a full council meeting. She also cited national failures over Gaza and poor accountability and leadership. Reform has previously insisted it represents people of all backgrounds and faiths amidst accusations of divisive politics.
