Conservative councillor joins the Liberal Democrats
Written by Mark Pack on 14th May 2008 – 11:11 pmFocus on the Ladden-Frome area reports:
Councillor Sarah Turley (Boyd Valley) has left South Gloucestershire’s ruling Conservative group and joined the Liberal Democrats.
Sarah says, “When I stood for election last year I was determined to stand up for my local community. Unfortunately, over the last year I have found that my work has been undermined by members of the Conservative group on the Council.”
“In particular, when I wanted to speak up on behalf of local residents against the in-vessel composter, I was discouraged from doing so. At the same time I have worked closely with community campaigners, many of whom are members of the local Liberal Democrats, and this is the way that I want to work.”
“I look forward to working alongside local MP Steve Webb and Cllr Marilyn Palmer in standing up for the people of Boyd Valley over the coming years”.
Lib Dem council group leader Ruth Davis greeted her new colleague warmly, saying, “We very much welcome Sarah to the team. She is a very capable and respected councillor and shares our commitment to the environment and to standing up for her local community.”
Posted in News
15th May 2008 at 12:39 am
Lib Dems campaign with Nimbys against environmentally friendly activities and Tory joins them.
Perhaps she would have been better staying put.
How can Liberals be against composting?
15th May 2008 at 7:57 am
Dan: from coverage such as this the answer looks to be the very simple - because the proposal was to put the new facility in a bad location.
Opposing a particular location for a composting facility doesn’t suddenly make you against composting, just as being in favour of more wind power doesn’t mean you therefore have to be in favour of any and every wind turbine proposal regardless of its merit or being in favour of public transport meaning you have to be against any and every proposal to improve car transport or being in favour of the environment generally meaning you have to be against any and every proposal to cut down a tree.
15th May 2008 at 10:26 am
Mark - you are correct about this issue from what I’ve heard.
15th May 2008 at 11:11 am
Well, I guess this makes up for the one in my area that’s defected to the tories within a week of being elected. The people who have had a Liberal/Lib Dem councillor since 1974 and are quite loyal Lib Dems are hopping mad.
15th May 2008 at 11:39 am
Defections in all directions happen, but within a week of being elected… what caused them to change there mind so suddenly?
15th May 2008 at 11:40 am
By all accounts, it wasn’t sudden. There are rumours that the Tories have promised him a cabinet position.