Cllr Steve Munby said he “pondered the situation” before deciding to leave the Labour Party
15:52, 16 Aug 2025Updated 16:11, 16 Aug 2025
Cllr Steve Munby
A former Liverpool City Council cabinet member and current councillor has left the Labour Party. Cllr Steve Munby, who represents Dingle, said he doesn’t want to bring himself “into disrepute by being associated with the Labour government and the local Labour cabinet”.
On Facebook, Mr Munby shared a link to an article about former S*n editor David Dinsmore being appointed to a government communications role. In the post, he announced his separation from the party. He said: “After pondering the situation, I have emailed the Labour Chief Whip to say I don’t wish to bring myself into disrepute by being associated with the Labour government and the local Labour cabinet.
“So, for now, I will be parting ways with the Labour group and party. There are many good local Labour councillors I wish well.
“The Lib Dems, Greens, Community Independents and Liberals are neither use nor ornament. But following the commissioners, the current cabinet, with perhaps two exceptions, have handed over all power and decision-making to the senior management team.
“This was not a forced decision but voluntary – a case of Stockholm syndrome? As a result, it makes far less difference who is in the council cabinet, though having a good local councillor DOES matter.
“I will continue to serve Dingle residents as an independent councillor.”
A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Government was elected to deliver change. After 14 years of Tory decline, that is no small task. But, as he did successfully in opposition, Keir Starmer is taking that mission in three-phases, all in the interests of renewing Britain.
“Labour is now a credible, disciplined party of government, focused on the priorities of working people. From tackling the cost-of-living crisis to rebuilding our public services.
“That change is already being felt in places like Liverpool, where the Labour run council has more money to protect frontline services, fix our broken roads, invest in communities and upholding Labour values – fairness, justice, and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.
“Some individuals have chosen to walk away from that responsibility and it’s disappointing that they do. But Labour in Liverpool is focused on delivering for the people of Liverpool.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, added: “Steve is a committed councillor who has served his community well as a Labour Councillor for many years.
“While we may now sit on different benches, I remain open to working constructively with him in the best interests of our city.”
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