“PURGED” Labour Party members are planning to print their own membership cards in an act of defiance as they vow not to quit the party.

Since Sir Keir Starmer became leader, members have been expelled for voicing solidarity with his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn after he was suspended and subsequently readmitted without the whip.

A fightback is being organised by the new Labour In Exile Network (LIEN) which is launching a campaign to change the party later this month.

The new cards will bear the original Clause IV of the party’s constitution, calling for the common ownership of industry which was rewritten under New Labour leader Tony Blair.

Terry Deans, who was suspended last year, said: “We are not leaving the party, nor are we starting a new party.

“The Labour Party is our party and we are staying put.

“The cards will show people that whatever [Sir Keir] does, whether he suspends or expels us, the original party remains, and we remain members of it.”

Following an investigation by Labour’s national executive committee, the Falklands war veteran was suspended for 12 months, a decision that has left him puzzled as he was denied the opportunity for a hearing.

Mr Deans is still awaiting acknowledgement of his appeal submission nearly five months after lodging it. 

“The disputes and disciplinary process is dysfunctional and not fit for purpose. All I want is a proper, fair justice system,” he said.

“This is our party and we’re not going anywhere.”

Labour was contacted for comment.

LIEN’s founding conference will take place on February 27. For more details go to www.labour-in-exile.org.