Madam,

Some four years ago, the Cambrian News published critical letters from me on the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party, a party that I have been a member of since 1980.

My criticism of his leadership has continued internally within the party, but the moment has come when that criticism must once again be made publicly.

It is with regret and much sadness, because Labour is now officially pursuing delivery of a Brexit deal with the Tories, that I cannot now remain a member of a party that has been such a fundamental part of my life.

I did not vote for Corbyn and have not supported his incompetent leadership and management of the party and I am especially concerned with his failure to deal with the issue of anti-Semitism expressed by far, far too many members since his election as leader.

I am also saddened to witness the daily online abuse delivered through many Corbyn-supporting Facebook groups to members who have chosen to challenge his and his advisors’ decisions or actions.

I have personally been accused of betrayal, disloyalty, being a Tory, red Tory, neo liberal, Blairite (true), a war-monger, austerity supporter and encouraged to leave the party sooner rather than later. I have been none of these (apart from Blairite) and criticism of the leader is not yet a disciplinary offence. If it was, then Corbyn’s membership should have ended a long time ago.

I will continue to support social democracy, fairness, justice and the opportunity for everyone to aspire, prosper and progress throughout their lives.

But, for now I have chosen to leave the so-called kinder, gentler way of Corbyn politics behind until that is the party comes back to its senses.

I am not joining any other party as having been part of something so dear to me for nearly 40 years it is too much of a step to take.

Yours etc, Mark Rees, Clos Sulien, Cae Ceredig, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth.

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