A FORMER Labour ‘super director’ who was a party member for 49 years has quit to join Change UK.

Sheila Murphy oversaw campaigns for three regions – the North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber – during her time as regional director.

But the woman who was once Labour’s top official in the north has left the party after ‘no longer recognising’ it.

“It’s become so divided and toxic that I felt like I was in an abusive relationship,” she said.

“I had no choice but to walk away.

“But I don’t want to walk away from politics – I still believe that politics can change people’s lives.

“I’ve been impressed with the people I’ve met in Change UK and believe that the country is crying out for something different.”

Ms Murphy brings a wealth of campaigning expertise and is aiming to help the new pro-EU party develop long-term progress around its campaigns.

She went on to say that she supported a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal because Parliament was unable to resolve the chaos.

“Many people can see our politics is broken at the moment, which is why Parliament is deadlocked,” she added.

“Only the people can sort this out.

“The politicians in Westminster have had three years to sort it and we are no closer to a solution.”

Commenting on Ms Murphy’s decision to join Change UK, North West candidate for the European Parliament election Cllr Dan Price, who resigned from Labour in April over Brexit, claimed many other Labour voters were coming to the same conclusion.

“We’re absolutely thrilled that Sheila has joined us,” he said.

“It’s very sad that someone with Sheila’s incredible service to the Labour Party no longer feels welcome there but her experience is shared by many other voters.

“Lots of people are telling us they can no longer support Labour and they’re coming to Change UK.

“We’re very clear that this is a national emergency and we need to pull Britain back from the brink, stop this undeliverable and chaotic Brexit, and let the people have their say.”