Ben Habib has launched a scathing attack on the political establishment, declaring that political office has become "a preserve of the elite" amid growing controversy over Labour's WhatsApp scandal.
Speaking on GB News, the former Reform deputy leader highlighted what he called a "complete disconnect" between those in power and the general public.
He argued that the fundamental sense of duty to serve the people "seems to have gone out of office."
His comments come as Labour faces mounting criticism over offensive messages shared in a WhatsApp group that has already led to the sacking of a minister and suspension of multiple party members.
Ben Habib lashed out at Labour
GB NEWS / PA
The criticism follows a series of revelations about derogatory comments made by Labour politicians about constituents and fellow party members in private messaging groups.
Habib drew direct parallels between private WhatsApp messages and public statements from Labour parliamentarians.
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Labour has suspended MPs Mike Amesbury, Andrew Gwynne and Oliver Ryan, sparking by-election rumoursGetty/ HoC"You look at what was said on the WhatsApp group, you see Parliamentarians from the Labour Party saying basically the same thing in a more sophisticated way in the open," he told GB News.
He specifically criticised what he described as "two-tier criminal justice" and the categorisation of people as "far-right."
"The same thing was said in the WhatsApp group, just in a different way. The whole lot are bloody awful," Habib added.
Former Labour minister Barry Gardiner echoed concerns about politicians' public and private personas, telling GB News: "This is just about basic respect for other people. I think what people really hate is the idea that you present one face in public and in private, you're a completely different person."
Ben Habib discussed the matter with Michelle Dewberry
GB NEWS
Labour has today suspended 11 councillors over their involvement in the controversial WhatsApp group that led to the sacking of health minister Andrew Gwynne.
The majority of those suspended are from Tameside Council, with two from Stockport Council, according to party sources.
The suspensions follow Gwynne's dismissal after he reportedly made antisemitic comments and joked about hoping a pensioner constituent would die before the next election.
Burnley MP Oliver Ryan has also been suspended from the party and had the whip removed over comments made in the group.
A Labour Party spokesperson said: "As soon as this group was brought to our attention, a thorough investigation was launched in line with the Labour Party's rules and procedures and this process is ongoing."
Greater Manchester Police has recorded a "non-crime hate incident" after receiving several complaints about the messages.
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