A SOUTHAMPTON councillor has accused Labour of "letting people down" after standing down from the party.

Coxford councillor, Barrie Margetts, was told he would not be allowed to stand in the upcoming election following an interview with regional party bosses.

The former University of Southampton professor had appealed the decision but after the appeal was thrown out, he resigned from his post criticising the national party for its recent standpoints on issues such as worker strikes. 

READ MORE: Southampton councillor Barrie Margetts not allowed to stand for Labour

He said: "I have been frustrated by the position taken by the national Labour Party across several key issues affecting people in Southampton.

"In particular, the failure of the national leadership of The Labour Party, founded by Trade Unions, to stand up for striking workers.

"Families are really struggling to make ends meet, and I believe the Labour Party nationally is letting people down."

Cllr Margetts said that the national party "no longer promotes the principles and values [he has] lived by" adding that he offered his resignation with "a very heavy heart".

He is now expected to see out his term as an independent before elections take place in May.

READ MORE: Southampton City Council could increase tax to pay for budget gap

The Coxford councillor has held his seat since May 2019 serving on committees including the Health and Wellbeing Board and Health Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Maintaining support for Southampton's Labour leader, he said it was his "greatest honour and privilege" to be elected. 

"Councillor Kaur is a great advocate for the city and has been supportive of me during the appeal process," he said.

"Since being elected I have worked diligently to represent and stand up for the people of Coxford.

"I believe I have made an important contribution to public health in the city, in particular addressing childhood obesity and food insecurity. 

"In the last two years I helped establish a food club which is providing support to over 700 families. 

"To me this has been about building community solidarity and support, which should be fundamental to a Labour Party, but which the national Labour Party seem not to value."

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