FOREST of Dean MP Matt Bishop has withdrawn his support for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying public trust in the Government is being lost following conversations with constituents, victims and campaigners.

In a statement released on Monday, May 11, Bishop said he had previously made clear that “nobody should ever be above scrutiny” and stressed that transparency and accountability “are not optional in public life”.

The Labour MP said many of his discussions had centred around violence against women and girls, an area where he said the Government had done “important and commendable work”.

He added that he would continue supporting efforts to improve protections for victims, strengthen safeguarding and restore confidence in the justice system.

However, Bishop said the conversations had reinforced “something deeply uncomfortable”, claiming victims who should feel protected instead felt “frustrated and disillusioned”.

He said the issue, combined with Labour’s poor local election results, meant he could “no longer ignore the concerns being raised by victims, constituents and campaigners alike”.

Bishop stressed his decision was “not about factions or personalities” and said he did not support “leadership bids, plotting or destabilisation”.

He described Sir Keir as “a decent man who has worked hard for our country” and said he was making the statement “with a heavy heart”.

The MP added that the Labour Party must now “reflect seriously” on reconnecting with communities, rebuilding public confidence and returning to the values which brought many members into politics.

His intervention marks a significant public break with the Prime Minister from within Labour ranks and is likely to prompt further debate over the party’s direction nationally.

Bishop said restoring trust, credibility and confidence that the Government is listening to the people it serves must now become the party’s priority moving forward in Britain today.