Cllr Lara Parizotto quit the Labour Party saying it was "an incredibly difficult decision but remains committed" to work.

Via social media app, X, the Brentford West cllr officially resigned from Labour, now continuing the role as an independent, in a post that got over 700,000 views.

Cllr Parizotto says her decision to leave Labour is rooted in a misalignment of values.

She said: "Today (18 Oct), I cannot represent the Labour Party. I find my values and my work on racial justice, migrants rights, allyship with queer and trans people, decolonisation, and global liberation movements of oppressed people unaligned with the Party.

"This is in no way a reflection on individual Party members."

The Hounslow cllr cited her attendance at a recent solidarity demonstration for Palestine, which conflicted with party advice, as one of the factors behind her decision.

She continued: "Over the weekend, I attended a demonstration in solidarity with Palestine, and against apartheid and occupation, which Labour councillors were advised not to attend.

"I cannot call out the UK Government for restricting our rights to protest without standing up for the same right on this occasion."

Cllr Parizotto expressed her ongoing commitment to combating racism and supporting marginalised communities while acknowledging the importance of addressing islamophobia and antisemitism in the UK and worldwide.

She said: "I grieve for the thousands killed and wounded in Palestine and Israel, and the painful impact it's had on Muslim and Jewish communities globally.

"Now more than ever we nerd to be vigilant and address the spikes of islamophobia and antisemitism we are seeing in the UK and globally.

"I am available to any resident who might be a victim of hatred and is looking for support."

Her work and values will continue to be centred on being inclusive, even outside the Labour Party.

She said: "My work and values will remain unapologetically pro-migrant, anti-racist, decolonial, and intersectional. At present, I feel unable to stand by my principles as a member of the Labour Party."

Shadow Minister for Democracy, Florence Eshalomi, was sorry to hear the news and hoped cllr Parizotto would return to the party one day.

Cllr Parizotto has been a Labour Party member since 2015 having arrived from her country Brazil at 18-years-old and worked as a cleaner.

To read cllr Lara Parizotto's statement in full, click here

We want to provide Brentford with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.

Follow us on Facebook and X to stay updated on the latest news in your area. Don't miss out!