A STROUD councillor has resigned from the Labour Party over comments made by Sir Keir Starmer about the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Councillor Jessie Hoskin, who represents Cainscross on Stroud District Council said in a Facebook post that she has resigned and is unhappy about his remarks “supporting war crimes against Palestinian people”.

Mr Starmer said in a recent LBC interview that “Israel has the right” to withhold power and water from the Gaza Strip.

“I am horrified by the loss of life in Israel and Palestine,” she said.

“Two million Palestinians in Gaza, who had nothing to do with Hamas’ actions, should not be punished collectively for it. We are witnessing atrocities.

“All targeting of civilian life should be condemned.

“I have not had the support of other Stroud District Labour councillors in unequivocally distancing myself from comments made by Keir Starmer and senior shadow ministers supporting war crimes against Palestinian people.

“The Labour Party is no longer consistent with the values of human dignity, equality, a world where everyone is safe and has what they need to thrive that I believe in and will continue to organise for in other areas of my work.”

The resignation means the Labour group is down to four members at Ebley Mill.

It could also lead to changes on committees which are likely to be discussed at this Thursday’s full council meeting.

The current makeup of the council is 17 Conservatives, 14 Greens, four Community Independents, four Independent Left councillors, four Labour councillors, four Independents, three Liberal Democrats and one Conservative with no group.

Stroud District Council is led by a cooperative alliance of the Green, Independent Left, Community Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors.

Labour South West declined to comment.