Starmer 'more brutal' than Thatcher - Barney Crockett quits Labour
Crockett was replaced as the group leader earlier in June
The former leader of Aberdeen City Council has quit the Labour Party following Sir Keir Starmer's announcement on oil and gas.
Barney Crockett led the local group on two occasions, firstly from 2009 for five years. He was leader of the council for 2012 until 2014, before Jenny Laing took the top job.
Cllr Crockett returned to lead his party in December last year, replacing Sandra MacDonald, though was replaced by Tauqeer Malik earlier this month.
"I have been left stunned and bemused by the events of the last few weeks," he said, speaking to the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
"The Labour leadership has made crucial decisions about the future of the UK, decisions focused on this area, without contacting anyone from this area or from the local Labour party."
"Margaret Thatcher never delivered a more brutal put down of an industry than that delivered by Keir Starmer in Edinburgh."
"Moreover, he avoided answering any direct question about Aberdeen. Rather, he deflected to Anas Sarwar who made no specific response about the city."
A tough decision
Cllr Crockett said his call to leave the party he'd been part of for decades was difficult, but necessary.
"This was not done at all lightly. It had nothing to do with friends and close colleagues in the Labour group.
"No one has greater respect than I for all of what Labour has achieved for this city over the last one hundred and thirty years.
"However, I felt I could not in all conscience say what I believe about the wider situation whilst remaining in the group.
"This area needs to fight with vigour to have some control of its own destiny."