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'I will have a stronger voice as an independent' - MP 'I will have a stronger voice as an independent' - MP
(31 minutes later)
Rosie Duffield resigned the whip as a Labour MP and will sit as an independentRosie Duffield resigned the whip as a Labour MP and will sit as an independent
Rosie Duffield resigned the whip as a Labour MP and will sit as an independentRosie Duffield resigned the whip as a Labour MP and will sit as an independent
Published12 minutes ago Published43 minutes ago
Rosie Duffield has told the BBC "nothing will change" when it comes to speaking up for her constituents after resigning the Labour whip.Rosie Duffield has told the BBC "nothing will change" when it comes to speaking up for her constituents after resigning the Labour whip.
The now independent MP, who until Saturday evening had been the Labour MP for Canterbury, Kent, since 2017, said: "My door is still open to all of my constituents."The now independent MP, who until Saturday evening had been the Labour MP for Canterbury, Kent, since 2017, said: "My door is still open to all of my constituents."
In her resignation letter published by the Sunday Times, she said Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was presiding over "sleaze, nepotism and avarice".In her resignation letter published by the Sunday Times, she said Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was presiding over "sleaze, nepotism and avarice".
Number 10 are yet to respond.Number 10 are yet to respond.
Ms Duffield resigned citing differences with the party leader, alongside policies such as keeping the two child benefit cap and the removal of the winter fuel payment for some pensioners.Ms Duffield resigned citing differences with the party leader, alongside policies such as keeping the two child benefit cap and the removal of the winter fuel payment for some pensioners.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Ms Duffield said: "He [Sir Keir Starmer] knows nothing whatsoever about my constituency.Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Ms Duffield said: "He [Sir Keir Starmer] knows nothing whatsoever about my constituency.
"I didn’t feel I could represent Canterbury properly within the walls of the Labour party anymore.""I didn’t feel I could represent Canterbury properly within the walls of the Labour party anymore."
Ms Duffield has been the MP for Canterbury since 2017Ms Duffield has been the MP for Canterbury since 2017
Ms Duffield has been the MP for Canterbury since 2017Ms Duffield has been the MP for Canterbury since 2017
She said the prime minister "doesn’t have a working relationship with his backbenchers", adding: "Sir Keir is very controlling of the party.She said the prime minister "doesn’t have a working relationship with his backbenchers", adding: "Sir Keir is very controlling of the party.
"It disturbs me that the decisions they make are done without listening to constituency MPs."It disturbs me that the decisions they make are done without listening to constituency MPs.
"I need to stick to my commitments to my constituents and I can do that hopefully better as an independent MP.""I need to stick to my commitments to my constituents and I can do that hopefully better as an independent MP."
Ms Duffield also warned she may not be the last Labour MP to resign the party whip, telling BBC Radio Kent: "There are a lot of colleagues who are unhappy and are on the brink of doing similar things."Ms Duffield also warned she may not be the last Labour MP to resign the party whip, telling BBC Radio Kent: "There are a lot of colleagues who are unhappy and are on the brink of doing similar things."
The total number of independent MPs in parliament is now 14.The total number of independent MPs in parliament is now 14.
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, on X, external,, and on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, external, on X, external,, and on Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
Related topicsRelated topics
Keir StarmerKeir Starmer
Rosie DuffieldRosie Duffield
CanterburyCanterbury