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South London Councillor Resigns, Blasts Labour's 'Toxic Culture' and 'Far Right' Pandering - A South London councillor has announced his resignation from the Labour Party, delivering a scathing critique of the party's leadership and direction under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Martin Abrams, who has represented the Streatham St Leonard's ward in Lambeth since 2022, will now sit as an independent councillor, citing a "toxic culture of bullying, racism, sexism, disablism and factionalism" that he claims has been allowed to fester within the party, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.
In an official statement released on social media on Thursday, August 28, Abrams, a Jewish, anti-Zionist politician, said he was "shocked at how bad things have become" after just one year of the Labour government. He accused the party of "pandering to the far right" and "rolling out the red carpet for Nigel Farage and Reform." Abrams argued that Labour is deliberately "scapegoating migrants and the most vulnerable in our society" and stirring up racial tensions, a move he believes is a direct consequence of "45 years of failed neoliberalism."
A key factor in his decision was the party's stance on the conflict in Gaza. Abrams was suspended by Lambeth Labour in February 2024 for voting in favor of a motion calling for an immediate ceasefire. He stated that the vote was a "matter of conscience" for him, given his heritage and upbringing. "As an Anti-Zionist Jewish person who was always taught to stand with the oppressed and never the oppressor, I am proud I took this stance," he said. He further condemned the government for being "complicit in the ongoing Gaza genocide, providing military intelligence and support to Israel whilst at the same time criminalising dissent and peaceful protest."
Abrams' departure is the latest in a series of defections from the Labour Party's ranks. The disciplinary action against him for the Gaza vote mirrored similar events across the country, where councillors who defied the party whip on ceasefire motions faced suspensions. His resignation also follows a trend of growing disillusionment among local Labour members and representatives who feel that Starmer's leadership has strayed from the party's traditional values.
In his statement, Abrams also detailed his personal experience with what he described as a hostile internal environment. He revealed that he was subject to smear campaigns, with some in Lambeth Labour allegedly using his "Patrilineal Jewish background" to call him a "fake Jew." He noted that this anti-Semitic bullying predated his suspension and that he had been systematically "silenced and sidelined," even being blocked from making his maiden speech or asking a single question in the council chamber despite repeated attempts.
Abrams confirmed that his ongoing suspension from the party meant he was blocked from re-standing as a Labour candidate in the 2026 local elections. He concluded his statement by affirming his commitment to his constituents, stating, "I still have huge amounts of energy, passion and ambitions for Streatham... and I look forward to continuing this work." He will now serve his community as an independent councillor. Lambeth Labour has been contacted for comment.
