West Yorkshire, United Kingdom - As the local elections on May 2nd approach, Muslim voters in the Kirklees municipality of West Yorkshire are feeling politically estranged, with predictions indicating they will penalize both the Conservative and Labour parties for their stances on the Gaza conflict. The conflict has emerged as a primary concern among voters, overshadowing local issues such as the condition of streets and public services.
The crisis in Gaza escalated following an attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7th, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. Israel's military response in the Gaza Strip has led to over 34,000 deaths, predominantly women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Sabahat Karim, an imam at a mosque in Huddersfield, expressed his hesitation about which party to support, stating, "Especially considering what is happening in Palestine and how different parties have reacted to it." Aamir Shahzad, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Huddersfield, added, "While voters pay council tax and expect good local services, the war remains the predominant issue on everyone's mind."
Councillor Ammar Anwar, representing Dewsbury West on the Kirklees council, noted that voters are prioritizing the Middle East conflict in this year's elections. He believes that the Muslim community, traditionally supportive of the Labour Party, now feels politically homeless. Anwar anticipates a significant surprise for Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, when election results are announced, reflecting the discontent with his initial reluctance to call for a ceasefire in the region.
Starmer, who affirmed Israel's right to self-defense, later clarified his statements to indicate that this right does not justify withholding humanitarian aid from Gaza. Since then, Labour's stance has shifted to advocate for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the region.
For some voters inclined to support the Conservatives, the conflict has had a similarly profound impact. Alliya Ahmed, a voter, mentioned, "I typically vote Conservative, but the war has definitely changed my opinion."
This election serves as an indicator of how foreign policy issues can influence local elections, highlighting the importance that officials and voters place on international concerns when determining local political allegiances.