Full Breakdown
Birmingham Labour Councillor Resigns Over Forced Vote with Reform UK
6/7/2026, 9:05:36 PM
The Resignation and Its Immediate Trigger
Long-time Labour activist Diane Donaldson, a councillor for Hodge Hill and Bromford since 2014, announced she is leaving the Labour Party. In a letter to regional director Sam Donohue, she said the party’s order to vote alongside Reform UK at a full-council meeting violated her principles, left her “humiliated,” and highlighted a broader failure of “trust and transparency.” She also cited national discontent over the party’s handling of the Gaza situation and a perceived lack of accountability and leadership.
Background: Council Power Shift and Coalition Formation
The May 7 local elections dramatically reduced Labour’s presence on Birmingham City Council, leaving the party with 16 councillors. Three weeks later, the National Executive Committee installed Councillor Nicky Brennan as Labour group leader. At the council’s resumed annual general meeting, Liberal Democrat Roger Harmer was elected leader of a new coalition administration that includes the Greens, Better Birmingham Independents and the Conservatives. The coalition, together with the Conservatives, held a clear majority to approve a symbolic “List B” of committee chairs, a move that would have placed Reform UK members in key roles.
Key Players in the Dispute
- Diane Donaldson – Labour councillor, resigning member.
- Nicky Brennan – Labour group leader, appointed by the NEC.
- Roger Harmer – Liberal Democrat leader of the coalition administration.
- Reform UK – Party whose councillors were slated to chair committees.
- Majid Mahmood – Fellow Labour councillor facing disciplinary action for defying party orders.
- Sam Donohue – Regional director of Labour.
- Ray Goodwin – Labour group chief whip.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- May 7, 2024 – Local elections reduce Labour to 16 seats.
- Early May 2024 – Nicky Brennan appointed Labour group leader.
- Friday (date unspecified) – Full council meeting votes on List A vs. List B; Labour members are whipped to support List A.
- Following day – Donaldson submits resignation letter to Donohue, copying Brennan and Goodwin.
Data on Council Composition and Vote Mechanics
- Labour now holds 16 councillors.
- The coalition + Conservatives command a clear majority for List B.
- The vote was largely symbolic; List B would have enabled Reform UK councillors to chair planning, business management and employment committees.
- Donaldson has 10 years of council service and 17 years of Labour activism.
Official Responses from Labour
A Labour spokesperson described Donaldson’s departure as “disappointing” and affirmed that the Labour group will continue to hold the administration to account, guided by shared Labour values.
Criticism of Party Leadership and National Issues
Donaldson condemned the party’s decision to force a vote with Reform UK, calling it a breach of principle and a “final straw.” She also highlighted national failures over Gaza and poor internal accountability. Her colleague Majid Mahmood is reportedly facing suspension for similarly defying party messaging.
Implications for Birmingham Labour and Council Governance
The resignation further demoralises a reduced Labour group still recovering from the May 7 losses. With fewer members to scrutinise the coalition, Labour’s capacity to influence council decisions may be weakened, raising concerns about internal cohesion and future defections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was clear to colleagues that I would never, ever work with Reform. I disagree with what they represent,” — Diane Donaldson, Councillor
- “To then be told by the Labour leadership to cast a vote with Reform, that could have resulted in Reform councillors chairing planning, business management and employment committees on the council, was too much.” — Diane Donaldson, Councillor
- “I will continue to work in my ward of Bromford and Hodge Hill alongside my ward colleague Cllr Majid Mahmood, and remain committed to serving my community to the best of my ability.” — Diane Donaldson, Councillor
- “I want to thank those who continue to fight for integrity and compassion within the Party.” — Diane Donaldson, Councillor
- “This is a disappointing decision by a councillor elected on a Labour platform just a month ago. The Labour group will continue to hold the administration to account based on our shared Labour values.” — Labour spokesperson
What’s Next
Donaldson will sit as an Independent councillor and continue representing her constituents. Labour plans to monitor the coalition’s committee appointments and will use upcoming council meetings to challenge the administration’s policies. The party’s internal review of disciplinary procedures for councillors like Majid Mahmood is also expected to intensify.
