Peer Resigns From 'No Longer Credible' Labour

Lord Warner has resigned the Labour whip, saying it is no longer a credible party of government in waiting.

A former minister of health under Tony Blair, the peer had suggested a £10-a-month fee for the NHS last year, in addition to hotel-style charges whenever an overnight stay in hospital is required.

In his resignation letter, Lord Warner said he "fears for Labour's future" if activists loyal to new leader Jeremy Corbyn gain greater control.

His message to Mr Corbyn, published by The Guardian, added: "Labour will only win another election with a policy approach that wins back people who have moved to voting Conservative and UKIP, as well as to Greens and SNP.

"Your approach is unlikely to achieve this shift.

"I have watched for some time the declining quality of the Labour party's leadership, but had not expected the calamitous decline achieved in 2015.

"The Labour Party is no longer a credible party of government in waiting. The approach of those around you and your own approach and policies is highly likely to worsen the decline in the Labour Party's credibility."

Lord Warner's departure follows Lord Adonis's decision to resign the Labour whip - however, this was in order to assume a role which required political impartiality.

Upon hearing of the resignation, Lord Prescott - Labour's former deputy prime minister from 1997 to 2007 - tweeted: "Lord Warner. A minister you've never heard of who wanted to charge people £10 a month to use the NHS.

"No credibility. No great loss."