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Labour Faces Ongoing Threat From Gaza-Backed Independents in Local Elections

 

Muslim voters have long been a crucial part of Labour’s support base, but a deepening sense of disillusionment, exacerbated by the war in Gaza, is now fueling concerns within the party that this support may be slipping away permanently. Many Muslim voters turned to independent candidates in last year's general election, and with local elections approaching, Labour figures worry this shift is becoming a permanent feature of British politics.

 

Much of the attention heading into the upcoming local elections has been on Reform UK, with Nigel Farage’s party tipped to gain hundreds of council seats from both the Tories and Labour. Yet in towns like Burnley, Lancashire, another narrative is quietly taking shape: the rise of Gaza-focused independent candidates threatening Labour’s traditional stronghold in Muslim communities.

 

 

Although Labour leader Keir Starmer secured a resounding victory last July, the party suffered shocks in areas with large Muslim populations. Jonathan Ashworth, a former shadow cabinet minister, lost his Leicester South seat to independent candidate Shockat Adam, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting saw his majority in Ilford North slashed from over 9,000 to just over 500 votes. Senior Labour insiders believe this shift is not a one-off, with some convinced that independent candidates will continue to erode Labour’s Muslim vote.

 

Burnley offers a clear example of where Labour could be vulnerable. Despite celebrations for Burnley Football Club’s promotion to the Premier League, the town struggles with severe deprivation, with government statistics revealing record numbers of young people living in poverty. Rob Ford, a politics professor at the University of Manchester, told PoliticsHome that "the general level of discontent in the Muslim communities is very high." He added that the war in Gaza has become a “lightning rod” issue, encouraging Muslim voters to turn away from Labour.

 

One Labour MP warned, “People in the party are putting their focus on Reform, which I get, but also at the expense of this threat,” adding, “these are real extremists.” Independent candidates like 18-year-old Maheen Kamran are stepping into this space. Motivated by the situation in Gaza, Kamran aims to improve school standards, public cleanliness, and promote gender-segregated public spaces. "There’s a big aspect of free mixing,” she said. “Muslim women aren’t really comfortable with being involved with Muslim men. I'm sure we can have segregated areas, segregated gyms, where Muslim women don't have to sacrifice their health."

 

Another independent, Usman Arif, is running in Burnley North East after leaving Labour over its stance on Gaza. He regularly posts about the war on his Facebook page and is campaigning on local issues like potholes and public safety. In Preston, too, Labour fears a dent in its support after pro-Gaza independent Michael Lavalette came second in last year’s election.

 

Lord Hayward, a Tory peer and pollster, predicted that this realignment of Muslim voters could have a “lasting effect.” He told PoliticsHome, “I don’t see Labour being able to resolve this issue with the Muslim community in places where there are large Muslim populations,” adding that the ongoing conflict in Gaza will make it even harder for Labour to win back disillusioned voters.

 

A Labour source spoke of an “unravelling of the social fabric” in areas where support for independents is surging. "There are strong divisions in these seats on the fault lines of class and religion. But what unites those communities is a general disillusionment with politics and government, and disappointment at the decline of public services."

 

Former Labour candidate Khalid Ahmed, who resigned from the party over its Gaza stance, is now working with Ayoub Khan, an independent MP, to expand their influence. However, a lack of formal coordination among independent candidates remains a hurdle.

 

Ali Arshad, a Kirklees councillor elected on a pro-Gaza platform, even described the Reform UK manifesto as "brilliant," except for its stance on the European Convention on Human Rights, indicating the complexity of the new independent movement. Meanwhile, Khalid Mahmood, Labour’s former MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, warned that Labour must stand against "Islamist" interests, saying, “While some Islamist organisations continue to pressure the government under the guise of combating Islamophobia, their demands are rarely about genuine inclusion. They are political and often incompatible with liberal democratic values.”

 

Labour’s strategy is to improve public services to win back voters across all communities. Yet, as the local elections loom, it seems clear that the challenge posed by independent, pro-Gaza candidates is one Labour cannot afford to ignore.

 

  Adpated by ASEAN Now from Politics Home  2025-04-29

 

 

 

11 minutes ago, Social Media said:

Labour figures worry this shift is becoming a permanent feature of British politics.

 

Should of been worried 15 to 20 years ago. Too late now. 

I wonder how long before there is a new official Muslim/Islam party in the UK. I know we have the Islamic Party of Britain but they seem a bit old hat having been founded in the late 80's. 

 

In the current political climate maybe it's time for a new one? They could call it BRAMAS or BREZBOLLAH or something similar. The party colours could be red, white, green and black. Maybe Ricky Jones could head it up with some sharp, "cutting edge" policies, with Humza Yousaf "scooting around" in the DEI Department.  

 

It might be good to split the left wing vote. 

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

pro-Gaza candidates is one Labour cannot afford to ignore

And what should Labour do?😳

14 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

And what should Labour do?😳

 

Labour will keep pandering to the Muslim voter base in the hope that it's enough to get them 4 more years at the trough. 

31 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Labour will keep pandering to the Muslim voter base in the hope that it's enough to get them 4 more years at the trough. 

Well, in this case they would have to accept greater influence on the party. I'm not sure that it is their intention.

4 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Well, in this case they would have to accept greater influence on the party. I'm not sure that it is their intention.

 

Are you insinuating they have principles of some type?

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Are you insinuating they have principles of some type?

Don't know what you try to express?

Under Starmer, criticism of Israel and Jewish anti-semitism became a taboo, and while nearly everyone hates Hamas, Israeli atrocities get hardly a mention by the British government. Many young people, not just Muslim ones, are very unhappy about this, My son is one of them. Once a Labour member and considering standing for Office, he is now joining the liberals. 

 

I very much doubt that any Labour supporter is happy with this government, they have successfully alienated nearly everyone. The only question for them, is if there is a party who offers them more. Reform is a step to far for many younger voters, the Conservative party is probably in an even worse state having tied there chariot to the disastrous Brexit horse. Reform and the Liberals are the only real alternatives.

 

What Britain needs is some really new ideas; not just building walls against immigrants, something that will actually work.

22 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Under Starmer, criticism of Israel and Jewish anti-semitism became a taboo, and while nearly everyone hates Hamas, Israeli atrocities get hardly a mention by the British government. Many young people, not just Muslim ones, are very unhappy about this, My son is one of them. Once a Labour member and considering standing for Office, he is now joining the liberals. 

 

I very much doubt that any Labour supporter is happy with this government, they have successfully alienated nearly everyone. The only question for them, is if there is a party who offers them more. Reform is a step to far for many younger voters, the Conservative party is probably in an even worse state having tied there chariot to the disastrous Brexit horse. Reform and the Liberals are the only real alternatives.

 

What Britain needs is some really new ideas; not just building walls against immigrants, something that will actually work.

Nonsense, anti-semitism has always been taboo and criticism of Israel has certainly not suddenly become taboo under Starmer. In fact both have surged in the UK.

12 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Under Starmer, criticism of Israel and Jewish anti-semitism became a taboo, and while nearly everyone hates Hamas, Israeli atrocities get hardly a mention by the British government. Many young people, not just Muslim ones, are very unhappy about this, My son is one of them. Once a Labour member and considering standing for Office, he is now joining the liberals. 

 

I very much doubt that any Labour supporter is happy with this government, they have successfully alienated nearly everyone. The only question for them, is if there is a party who offers them more. Reform is a step to far for many younger voters, the Conservative party is probably in an even worse state having tied there chariot to the disastrous Brexit horse. Reform and the Liberals are the only real alternatives.

 

What Britain needs is some really new ideas; not just building walls against immigrants, something that will actually work.

 

Excellent post. Makes a refreshing change from the usual, simplistic 'Blame the immigrants and Muslims' rants.

 

As a Labour supporter, I have been largely disappointed by the actions of this government to date. Although events e.g. Trump's actions haven't helped, many of their problems have been self-inflicted. There are some green shoots: The apparent desire to re-engage constructively with the EU being one. Nevertheless, a long way to go.

 

As for the alternatives. Imo Reform are light on policy detail and would bring greater division. The Liberals? Perhaps, but I would be concerned about their economic management. The Tories are a unorganised mess.

 

Woe is us?

5 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Excellent post. Makes a refreshing change from the usual, simplistic 'Blame the immigrants and Muslims' rants.

 

As a Labour supporter, I have been largely disappointed by the actions of this government to date. Although events e.g. Trump's actions haven't helped, many of their problems have been self-inflicted. There are some green shoots: The apparent desire to re-engage constructively with the EU being one. Nevertheless, a long way to go.

 

As for the alternatives. Imo Reform are light on policy detail and would bring greater division. The Liberals? Perhaps, but I would be concerned about their economic management. The Tories are a unorganised mess.

 

Woe is us?

Except its fact less, check the stats on how high its risen both antisemitism and criticism

33 minutes ago, rickudon said:

What Britain needs is some really new ideas

And what you got in mind? 

Maybe UK had had the best time already (as other countries). 

38 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Under Starmer, criticism of Israel and Jewish anti-semitism became a taboo, and while nearly everyone hates Hamas, Israeli atrocities get hardly a mention by the British government. Many young people, not just Muslim ones, are very unhappy about this, My son is one of them. Once a Labour member and considering standing for Office, he is now joining the liberals. 

 

   Your Son should be concerned about the UK and which political party is better for the UKs interests .

   Some peoples only reason for living seems to be to oppose Israel and Jews .

   Join a UK Political party that which Govern the UK the best , shouldn't be joining UK political parties just because they side with one side in a foreign war 

11 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Except its fact less, check the stats on how high its risen both antisemitism and criticism

 

The absence of facts was Ray's favourite thing about it. 

47 minutes ago, rickudon said:

Under Starmer, criticism of Israel and Jewish anti-semitism became a taboo, and while nearly everyone hates Hamas, Israeli atrocities get hardly a mention by the British government. Many young people, not just Muslim ones, are very unhappy about this, My son is one of them. Once a Labour member and considering standing for Office, he is now joining the liberals. 

 

Maybe he should focus on issues affecting Britain.

 

Knife Crime. The NHS. Having Police on the street. The cost of living crisis. The loss of freedom of speech. 

 

Too many British policitians focusing on what's happening half way around the world. 

Sharia law coming soon to Muslim run enclaves in Britain. Am I being racist or overly alarmist? 

26 minutes ago, Bkk Brian said:

Except its fact less, check the stats on how high its risen both antisemitism and criticism

 

So therefore you disagree with the rest of the OP and my reply?

4 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Sharia law coming soon to Muslim run enclaves in Britain. Am I being racist or overly alarmist? 

 

Certainly the latter.

14 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Maybe he should focus on issues affecting Britain.

 

Knife Crime. The NHS. Having Police on the street. The cost of living crisis. The loss of freedom of speech. 

 

Too many British policitians focusing on what's happening half way around the world. 

 

Governments have to deal with both domestic and overseas events. It's a fact of political life.

2 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

Governments have to deal with both domestic and overseas events. It's a fact of political life.

 

   No one is saying otherwise .

British voters should vote for reasons that the Political party acts in the UK's best interests .

   British people should be voting for UK Political parties based on who detests Israel the most  .

  A UK political party could then run on a manifesto of attacking Israel and win an election , would be a UK Socialist part , lets just hope that they aren't a Nationalist party as well 

15 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

So therefore you disagree with the rest of the OP and my reply?

Didn't even bother reading most of your reply since you claimed his post was excellent.

 

Saying a post is excellent that was just an attempt at throwing as much mud as you can to see what sticks and is full of baseless misleading claims is not excellent and shows your attempts at endorsing a post that is full of holes, pure propaganda and false claims.

 

Aside from the obvious stats which he lacked to prove his claims,  lets also take a look at this one. 

 

1 hour ago, rickudon said:

 while nearly everyone hates Hamas, 

 

The actual facts are that 46% of UK Muslims support Hamas.

10 hours ago, Social Media said:

“Muslim women aren’t really comfortable with being involved with Muslim men. I'm sure we can have segregated areas, segregated gyms,

 

   Where is the outrage and condemnation for such a racist remark ?

A British person has publicly stated that they want to be kept apart from Muslim men .

   Where are al the demands for her to resign after making such a racist comment ?

8 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   No one is saying otherwise .

British voters should vote for reasons that the Political party acts in the UK's best interests .

   British people should be voting for UK Political parties based on who detests Israel the most  .

  A UK political party could then run on a manifesto of attacking Israel and win an election , would be a UK Socialist part , lets just hope that they aren't a Nationalist party as well 

No one is saying otherwise .

British voters should vote for reasons that the Political party acts in the UK's best interests .

   British people should be voting for UK Political parties based on who detests Israel the most  .

  A UK political party could then run on a manifesto of attacking Israel and win an election , would be a UK Socialist part , lets just hope that they aren't a Nationalist party as well 

That includes it's relationships with other countries and organisations!

Gaza is not worth all this annoyance. 

22 minutes ago, rough diamond said:

That includes it's relationships with other countries and organisations!

 

   But that shouldn't be their prime reason for voting for a Political party .

The UKs internal interests have a higher importance then a foreign war that doesn't involve the UK .

   Imagine a Thai guy voting for a particular Thai political party, just because they support either side in the Ukraine/Russia war 

6 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   But that shouldn't be their prime reason for voting for a Political party .

The UKs infernal interests have a higher importance then a foreign war that doesn't involve the UK .

   Imagine a Thai guy voting for a particular Thai political party, just because they support either side in the Ukraine/Russia war 

I agree with you!

But the above is opposite to what you posted earlier and which I "corrected" in the  quote above!

 

PS; I assume you meant "internal" and not "infernal" above though that could be a Freudian slip! (😀)

35 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   No one is saying otherwise .

British voters should vote for reasons that the Political party acts in the UK's best interests .

   British people shouldn't be voting for UK Political parties based on who detests Israel the most  .

  A UK political party could then run on a manifesto of attacking Israel and win an election , would be a UK Socialist part , lets just hope that they aren't a Nationalist party as well 

 

   Edited to add a nt to "should"

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   No one is saying otherwise .

 

At least one person has implied otherwise.

 

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

British voters should vote for reasons that the Political party acts in the UK's best interests .

 

Agreed.

 

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

   British people should be voting for UK Political parties based on who detests Israel the most  .

  A UK political party could then run on a manifesto of attacking Israel and win an election , would be a UK Socialist part , lets just hope that they aren't a Nationalist party as well 

 

Even with your later correction, I have no idea why you address this comment to me. 

 

For the record and in case you are wondering, I detest anti-Semitism and the actions of Hamas.

9 minutes ago, RayC said:

 

At least one person has implied otherwise.

 

 

Agreed.

 

 

Even with your later correction, I have no idea why you address this comment to me. 

 

For the record and in case you are wondering, I detest anti-Semitism and the actions of Hamas.

 

   For how long have you detested Hames for ?

Seems like people have turned against Hamas in the last few months

They have been heroes for the last two years , know, suddenly no one likes them anymore .

   What has happened to make supporters turn against Hamas ?