Loach suggested it was because he would “not disown those already expelled.”
Left-wing filmmaker Ken Loach has claimed that he has been expelled from the Labour Party, hitting out at an alleged “witch-hunt” within the party.
Loach is well-known for his left-wing beliefs and has become famous for his films which tackle societal issues related to inequality.
But in a series of posts on Twitter, he has said that he has been thrown out of the party.
The 85-year-old wrote: “Labour HQ finally decided I’m not fit to be a member of their party, as I will not disown those already expelled. Well …
“I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch-hunt …
“Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few. Solidarity.”
'I am proud to stand with the good friends and comrades victimised by the purge. There is indeed a witch hunt….' KL
— Ken Loach & Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) August 14, 2021
'Starmer and his clique will never lead a party of the people. We are many, they are few. Solidarity.' KL
— Ken Loach & Sixteen Films (@KenLoachSixteen) August 14, 2021
The revelation comes after recent reports suggesting that Labour leader Keir Starmer was preparing to purge the party of vocal Jeremy Corbyn supporters.
It is not the first time that Loach has been at odds with Labour. He left the party in the 1990s after 30 years as a member, reportedly because of his disgust at Tony Blair.
He has also previously been an active member of parties such as Respect and Left Unity that have presented themselves as alternatives to Labour.
Related links:
Jeremy Corbyn could be reinstated as Labour MP as supporters draw up “urgent” plans
Lisa Nandy says Jeremy Corbyn shouldn’t be Labour MP until he apologises to Jewish community
Keir Starmer says he would have Gary Neville in his shadow cabinet if he could
But it was Jeremy Corbyn’s election to the leadership of the party that prompted Loach to rejoin as a member.
Speaking about Loach’s revelation, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell tweeted: “To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace.
“Ken’s films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change & inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade.”
To expel such a fine socialist who has done so much to further the cause of socialism is a disgrace. Ken’s films have exposed the inequalities in our society, have given us hope for change & inspired us to fight back. I send my solidarity to my friend and comrade @KenLoachSixteen https://t.co/GboZLrcVYK
— John McDonnell MP (@johnmcdonnellMP) August 14, 2021
Jeremy Corbyn was suspended from Labour in October 2020 after claiming that the problem of antisemitism within the party had been “dramatically overstated for political reasons” by opponents and the media.
Despite the fact he later issued an apology and a disciplinary panel lifted the suspension the following month, Keir Starmer has refused to restore the whip to the former leader.
