Local council election results signal the Labour Party stands to lose out on Muslim votes at the next general election over its stance on the war in Gaza.
The party suffered a shock defeat in Oldham, Greater Manchester, last night, losing control of the local council to Independent candidates. It performed most poorly in wards with large Muslim populations.
The loss has been attributed to Sir Keir Starmer’s initial refusal to back calls for a ceasefire in Gaza within the first few weeks of the war. Comments made by the Labour leader on LBC radio in October where he appeared to back Israel shutting off power and water in Gaza featured on opposition leaflets circulated during the campaign, pushing the issue front and centre of voters’ minds.
Following the broadcast, Sir Keir addressed the furore, insisting he had only been supporting Israel’s right to self-defence.
