A councillor on Bath & North East Somerset Council, Paul May, has left the Conservative Party and joined the local Liberal Democrats.
Councillor Paul May and Councillor Kevin Guy | Photo © B&NES Lib Dems
A special meeting was held in Keynsham on Thursday 22nd September to accept the Publow with Whitchurch councillor into the Lib Dem group.
Councillor May has represented the ward for 7 years and recently fought against plans to build an extra 2,500 houses in the village.
Cllr May said: “I entered politics in order to best represent my residents, and I have come to the realisation I can do that most successfully in B&NES as a Lib Dem.
“I admire the local leadership, appreciate what they are achieving, and share their values. I want to be part of the ambitious team delivering for B&NES now and in the next administration.”
Cllr Kevin Guy, Leader of B&NES Council said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the team. I will value his contribution especially in the area of finance as he backfills some areas during Richard Samuel’s recuperation.
“I am delighted that Paul recognises the best way he can get the best outcomes for his residents is by being part of the Lib Dem team in B&NES and I take it as a strong endorsement of our achievements, and direction.
“As a membership-led organisation, we were transparent in our process for accepting Paul, and we are delighted to have someone of his character, and calibre, in our team.”
Cllr May continued: “There’s much in local government which isn’t party political, but sadly I have found myself increasingly worried that the Conservative party nationally has lost its way, with the well recorded Conservative leadership issues and concerns.
“Locally, I compare and contrast the ambitious, positive, inspiring vision for the authority the Lib Dems are presenting, and the respect I have for its leaders, with the approach taken by the Conservatives.
“I have thought long and hard about this move and am sure I am making the right decision for myself, and most importantly, my community.
“I will be able to give them a stronger voice, because I know that the Lib Dems listen. Local politics should be about policies not personalities and I want my communities to see that the Lib Dems represent the best solutions for them.”
The defection between parties comes following the move of Cllr Dr Yukteshwar Kumar from the Liberal Democrats in 2021 to becoming an independent, before joining the Conservatives in July.
