Sir Tony Robinson attacks Labour's 's***' leadership and quits party
The long-time Labour member announces his departure after a disappointing night for the party in the local elections.
Friday 3 May 2019 15:44, UK
Blackadder star Sir Tony Robinson has quit the Labour Party - blaming its "continued duplicity on Brexit" and "complete s***" leadership.
The 72-year-old, best known for playing Baldrick in the classic sitcom, announced his departure following a disappointing night for the opposition in the local elections.
Sir Tony, who previously voiced fears that a "leftist clique" had "completely taken over" Labour - also blamed the ongoing issue of antisemitism for his decision.
He tweeted: "I've left the Labour Party after nearly 45 years of service at Branch, Constituency and NEC levels, partly because of its continued duplicity on Brexit, partly because of its antisemitism, but also because its leadership is complete s***."
Sir Tony has been a vocal supporter of a second referendum, posting on Twitter last week that Labour members were "overwhelmingly in favour" of another vote on EU membership.
In response to early results on Friday morning, shadow chancellor John McDonnell had tweeted: "So far [the] message from local elections - 'Brexit - sort it.' Message received."
Jeremy Corbyn has failed to make the inroads that might have been expected of an opposition leader hoping to become prime minister.
The Labour leader has acknowledged that the approach to Brexit taken by both the Conservatives and Labour was likely a factor in why his party had not done as well in areas where it has been traditionally strong.
Sir Tony is the latest in an increasingly long line of high-profile Labour figures to quit the party this year, with several MPs leaving to help form The Independent Group earlier this year.
It will contest the European elections later this month under the banner of Change UK, where it will hope to emulate the council gains of fellow pro-Remain parties the Liberal Democrats and the Greens.
As of 3.30pm - with 170 of 248 councils declaring - Labour had lost 108 seats and control of five councils.