Four Birmingham Labour city councillors have dramatically quit the party.

The four were not selected during a Labour Party cull of candidates for the 2026 local election, causing anger and confusion.

They are:

  • Mohammed Idrees, Alum Rock

  • Chaman Lal, Soho and Jewellery Quarter

  • Amer Khan, Stockland Green

  • Rinkal Shergill, Holyhead

Their resignations come on the day that Jeremy Corbyn and Perry Barr MP Ayoub khan lead a meeting of the new “your party” initiative in the city.

They have each issued personal resignation statements highlighting what they call the unfair and un democratic selection process which saw several long serving Labour members ousted.

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Cllr Amar Khan representing Stockland Green, wrote: “This has not been an easy decision.

“I stayed in the hope that things would change — I thought we could effect change from within and Labour party would return to being a genuine Democratic Socialist party.

“However, the current dire state of affairs and lack of vision and mimicking of regressive ‘Reform type’ policies attacking immigrants, means I can no longer continue as a member of this party.

“The Labour Party has lost its way.

“What was once a movement rooted in social justice, integrity, and compassion is now run by people more focused on power and control rather than genuine principles.

“I have seen firsthand how long-standing socialist councillors — some who have served for over 20 years — have been treated with disregard.

“Our local CLP’s have been stripped of any decision and there is authoritarian rule from the top.

“There is no transparency, no respect, and no genuine democratic processes.

“Nationally, the party has embraced regressive policies on immigration — including extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain and reinforcing punitive migration systems.

“These choices don’t challenge the politics of division; they reinforce them.

“Even more troubling is Labour’s refusal to speak out against the ongoing genocide being committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

“In a cynical attempt to garner votes the party belatedly recognises Palestine, yet Starmer continues to supply arms to Israel.

“This blatant hypocrisy and our government’s complicity in these atrocities is clear for all to see

“Locally, things are just as broken.

“The Labour Party in Birmingham has let down communities down.

“The failure to provide residents with the basic services is an indictment on the executive of the local Labour Party.

“Instead of bold leadership, we see dysfunction, financial mismanagement, incompetence and a complete lack of accountability.

“I joined Labour to fight for real social justice.

“But instead, I’ve witnessed the abandonment of principles, a narrowing of political vision, and a disconnection from the people we’re meant to represent.

“I will continue to represent the residents of Stockland Green as an independent voice — one still committed to the values that brought me into politics: justice, dignity, and solidarity with those most in need.”

Cllr Shergill, elected in 2022, wrote in her statement to council leader John Cotton: “It is with regret that I resign from the Labour Party with immediate effect.

“The recent selection process within the party has been deeply unfair, lacking transparency, and failing to uphold the democratic values that Labour claims to stand for.

“It is clear that candidates with connections to MPs and their associates were favoured over experienced sitting councillors, undermining the principles of merit and fairness.

“I joined the Labour Party because I believed in its commitment to equality, fairness, and social justice.

“Sadly, it is no longer the party I once believed in.”

She added: “Despite remaining a member in the hope that the party would reflect, reform, and return to its core values, it has become evident that decisions are increasingly being driven by a small group of individuals, rather than through open and democratic processes.

“I will continue to serve the people of Holyhead as an independent councillor.

“My commitment to representing my constituents and making a real difference in our community remains unchanged.”

Cllr Mohammed Idrees said in his resignation: “Sadly I have resigned from The Labour Party today. It has not been an easy decision for me. I have been a member of the Labour Party for 35 years.

“I dedicated more than half of my life for promoting and campaigning for Labour Values.

“But unfortunately The National Labour Party Hierarchy have lost its core values and have abandoned its hard core supporters, such as pensioners, people with disabilities and have lost the trust of the younger generation.”

And Chaman Lal, recently Lord Mayor of the city, wrote: “I am emailing to let you know that today I have submitted my resignation form to the Labour Party on the grounds of unfair Birmingham 2026 NEC Selection process which favoured candidates who had connections with some Labour MPs.

“I would like to thank you all for your comradeship and your friendship with me for over 31 years, and I wish you my very best wishes.”

Their stinging resignation statements reflect mounting anger within the party over its direction of travel and apparent move to the right to counter the threat of Reform.

The quartet have not yet announced their intentions other than to say they will be “independents”.

But we understand at least three of them are considering aligning with the Corbyn led Your Party.

The new movement is meeting at New Bingley Hall this afternoon, Sunday, with more announcements about the councillors expected.

We have reached out to the Labour Party to comment.