Former Lord Mayor of Newcastle Resigns From Labour Party

The former Bangladeshi-Muslim Lord Mayor of Newcastle has resigned from the Labour party in protest against Keir Starmer’s stance on the issue of the ongoing Palestine tragedy and Islamophobia in the party.

Habib Rahman, who moved to the UK from Bangladesh, took on Newcastle’s ceremonial Lord Mayor role for a year from 2021. He was the first Muslim to hold the post.

The councillor moved to Tyneside with his mother and six brothers in 1985 at the age of 12. He  was unable to speak English.

He joined the party in 2008 and was elected as a Labour councillor in 2010. He joins more than 30 Labour councillors who have quit the party over Starmer’s stance on Gaza.

In his resignation letter to the leader of the Labour party on January 26, the former youth worker stated: “During my 13 years as a Labour councillor, I have faced various forms of abuse within the party.

“I have concluded that the party does not take other forms of racism, including Islamophobia and hate crimes, as seriously as it does antisemitism.

“As a lifelong anti-war campaigner, I cannot accept your inhumane position in support of the Israeli government’s continuous bombardment of innocent Palestinian people.

“I was also appalled to learn of your initial stance supporting the Israeli government in withholding a vital lifeline in food, water and electricity from Gaza,” he added.

“Your unwavering support for the Israeli government’s bombardment of Gaza is nothing short of advocating for the decimation of the Palestinian people.

“No one is free until the land of Palestine is freed from its oppressors.”

Cllr. Rahman’s father Azizur, was murdered in a racist attack in Newcastle in 1977, ten days after arriving in the city.

He also criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s “immoral” and “unethical” U-turn on the recognition of the state of Palestine together with his failure to call for an immediate ceasefire and his unquestioning support for the Israeli Government “carrying out genocide” in their war on Gaza.

The Elswick ward councillor will continue to sit as an independent councillor until the 2026 elections.

According to Chronicle Live, a spokesperson for Newcastle Labour Group added: “As a Labour group we are incredibly sad to hear of Councillor Habib Rahman’s decision today. We would like to thank him for all he has done for his constituents in Elswick and the city of Newcastle at large.

“The Labour Party is an anti-racist party, committed to combating and campaigning against all forms of racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.”

Mr Rahman added: “I will stand in solidarity with all my Palestinian brothers and sisters and continuously challenge all world leaders who are supporting Israel in this genocide against the innocent Palestinians and campaign for an immediate end to this deadly bombardment.”