PANICKED Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was desperately trying to claw back credibility with Muslims and social justice campaigners as more councillors and members quit the party today.

Reeling from the reaction to his endorsement of Israeli war crimes in Gaza, Sir Keir sent out a letter to councillors emphasising the need for Palestinians trapped in Gaza to have access to food, fuel and water — all currently denied under Israeli control.

It is also likely that the party apparatus will drop its threat to expel any elected representatives who attend the solidarity demonstrations taking place this weekend.