Pensby and Thingwall Councillor Richie Pitt has officially joined the new political party established by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. The announcement was made during a public meeting held today, Friday, October 10, in Birkenhead. This move marks a significant shift for Cllr Pitt, who previously left the Labour Party in August 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Councillor Richie Pitt of Pensby and Thingwall has joined Jeremy Corbyn's new party, currently known as 'Your Party'.
- The announcement occurred at a Birkenhead meeting attended by approximately 250 people.
- Cllr Pitt cited the Labour Party's stance on the Hillsborough Law, Gaza conflict, and welfare policies as reasons for his departure.
- He hopes to see more 'Your Party' councillors elected to Wirral Council in the 2027 local elections.
- This defection follows similar moves by councillors in Birmingham, Hastings, and Coventry.
Councillor Pitt's Defection and Reasons
Councillor Richie Pitt formally confirmed his membership in the new political group, temporarily named 'Your Party', during an event at Future Yard, a music venue in Birkenhead. The meeting, organized by Wirral Community Independents, drew around 250 attendees. Cllr Pitt shared the platform with Jeremy Corbyn, the Independent MP for Islington North and a key figure in the new movement.
Cllr Pitt's decision to leave the Labour Party was made in August 2025. He stated that the government's approach to the Hillsborough Law served as the "final straw" in his political journey. His departure means he will now represent 'Your Party' on Wirral Council.
Fact: Councillor Defections
Cllr Pitt is not the first local politician to join 'Your Party'. Four Labour councillors in Birmingham announced their defection at a rally last Sunday. Earlier, seven councillors from Hastings and Coventry had also made similar moves, indicating a growing trend of local representatives aligning with Corbyn's new political group.
Core Issues Leading to Departure
During his address at the Birkenhead meeting, Cllr Pitt elaborated on the various issues that prompted his departure from the Labour Party. He joined Labour around the time Jeremy Corbyn was first elected as leader. However, over time, his views diverged from the party's official positions on several critical matters.
One primary concern for Cllr Pitt was the Labour Party's stance on the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also highlighted the increasing disparity between the wealthiest and poorest individuals in society as a significant factor. Furthermore, he expressed disappointment over policy reversals concerning winter fuel payments and disability benefits, specifically Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Pitt stated: "Around seven weeks ago, I made the difficult decision to leave the Labour Party. This was not a choice I took lightly — I have always believed in standing up for fairness, compassion, and the people I represent."
Personal Impact on Policy Views
The issue of disability benefits, particularly changes to PIP, held personal significance for Cllr Pitt. He mentioned that these policy shifts were influenced by the experiences of a family member, underscoring the direct impact of such decisions on individuals and their families. This personal connection likely strengthened his conviction to seek an alternative political platform.
Background: The Hillsborough Law
The Hillsborough Law, also known as the Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, aims to ensure public bodies are accountable and cooperate transparently with investigations. It seeks to prevent future injustices similar to those faced by the Hillsborough families. The ongoing delays and perceived lack of commitment to this law have been a point of contention for many, including Cllr Pitt.
Corbyn's Welcome and Future Aspirations
Jeremy Corbyn, who attended the Birkenhead meeting, extended a warm welcome to Cllr Pitt. Corbyn expressed optimism about the future growth of 'Your Party' in the region. He specifically stated his hope that more councillors from the new party would be elected to Wirral Council in the upcoming 2027 local elections.
Corbyn emphasized the ambition to build a broad, democratic movement across the country. He positioned 'Your Party' as an entity committed to challenging powerful interests and bringing about substantial change.
Mr Corbyn, the Independent MP for Islington North, remarked: "I warmly welcome Richie to Your Party, and hope he will be one of many Your Party councillors elected in the Wirral and Liverpool come 2027. We are building a mass, democratic movement for real change in every corner of the country. Your Party will take on the rich and powerful - and win."
A Focus on Values and Community Service
Cllr Pitt reiterated his commitment to his core values of fairness and compassion. He stressed that his decision to join 'Your Party' was not a rejection of these principles but rather a continuation of them on a different platform. He believes that politics should prioritize people over strict party loyalties.
- Fairness: A key principle guiding Cllr Pitt's political decisions.
- Compassion: Essential for representing community needs effectively.
- Accountability: Crucial for public bodies, as highlighted by the Hillsborough Law.
- Community Focus: Serving local residents with honesty and determination.
His speech highlighted specific policy disagreements with Labour, including the two-child benefit cap and the removal of winter payments. These issues, he argued, directly impact vulnerable members of the community. He underlined his dedication to serving his constituents with honesty, empathy, and determination, regardless of party affiliation.
Implications for Local Politics
The defection of Cllr Pitt could signal a shift in local political dynamics on Wirral Council. While 'Your Party' is still in its early stages of development, attracting sitting councillors like Pitt gives it immediate representation and a platform at the local level. The upcoming 2027 local elections will be a key test for the new party's ability to gain wider public support.
The formation of new political groups and the movement of councillors between parties reflect ongoing changes in the political landscape. These shifts often stem from disagreements over national policies and their local impact, or from a desire to represent constituents under a different banner that aligns more closely with personal convictions.