Why we have attracted new councillors

The fall out from the decision of the Green Party in to adopt a policy saying Zionism is Racism  has continued to grow following accusations of racism from some Jewish groups

Sky news has reported that membership of the party has dropped 18000 since the decision was made. This reduction includes a number of councillors who have defected to other parties including Ian one here in Babergh

With its strong environmental record a number of defections have been to us the Liberal Democrat's

In the past week two have been announced

Cllr Christina Coleman announced that she is leaving the Green Party and will join the Liberal Democrats. Cllr Coleman, a county and district councillor in Sussex and former parliamentary candidate, said the decision follows concerns about the party’s direction under Zack Polanski’s leadership and the recent conference motion on Zionism.

While stressing her continued commitment to environmental protection, nature recovery, social justice and community action, she said she could no longer remain in the party “with a clear conscience”.

Cllr Coleman committed to continue working on local priorities including protecting the countryside, improving river health, supporting community projects and championing local residents across Sussex.

Secondly Councillor Ian Conlan, who served as Mayor of Malton for three years, has defected from the Greens to the Liberal Democrats on North Yorkshire council and announced plans to stand as a candidate in the May 2027 local elections. 

Mr Conlan, an environmental campaigner  said he believed the Liberal Democrats offered the best opportunity to deliver change across North Yorkshire. Mr Conlan also criticised the direction of his former party.“I have been frustrated by the direction of the Green Party of late; it’s simply not the caring party I joined in 2015. I’m glad to have found a new home in the Lib Dems.

This all  followed news that  a few days before Councillor Paul Dick OBE a Conservative councillor in Berkshire had also  decided to join the Liberal Democrats “I entered local politics with one goal,” he said. “I sought to continue to use my extensive experience and knowledge of leadership and management, particularly in education, to contribute to the services enjoyed by our West Berkshire community.

“I have come to admire the dedication and positivity in the Liberal Democrat administration and am keen to join their forward-thinking team.

What unites all the comments from these three councillors is their admiration for the community based focus of Liberal Democrats and their passion for serving their local communities 

and making a difference to peoples lives rather than the pursuit of national ideologies

If you would like to join us you can do so here Join the Liberal Democrats