It would take a pretty big leap of faith to give up a job so you could leave one political party and join another which you felt better reflected your values, but that is exactly what Cllr Amanda Broom from Yeovil has done. She worked as caseworker for Yeovil’s new Conservative MP Marcus Fysh and was so upset by the Government’s actions that she decided she could no longer remain a member of the Conservative Party.
From the Yeovil Press:
Cllr Broom has stressed that her decision to join to the LibDems was nothing to do with her working relationship with Mr Fysh – but more concerned with “not being comfortable supporting” Conservative policies at a national level.
In a prepared statement Cllr Broom said: “I have been increasingly concerned over the current Government’s direction of travel to the right and the potential impact of these policies on my ward members – in particular – those on low pay, long term ailments or disabilities.
“I am also disappointed with the Government’s lack of foresight with regards to sustainable environmental policies including renewable energy.
“It has now reached the point where I am not comfortable supporting or representing the Conservative Party and many of its policies at a national level, hence my decision to leave and move across to the Liberal Democrats.
“In my opinion the Liberal Democrats better reflect a more balanced approach to dealing with the deficit, whilst protecting those in our society less able to survive the increasing division between those who have and those who have not.”
Her decision to join the LibDems has been warmly welcomed by the party’s former leader and an ex-Yeovil MP himself, Paddy Ashdown.
Cllr Broom added: “Despite my change of political allegiance, I remain committed to working with colleagues from all parties and at all levels who continue to promote a fair society and equality of opportunity for the residents of South Somerset, in particular Chard, as I have done since first being elected.
“Nothing has changed and nor will it change in my commitment to represent residents to the very best of my ability.”
Welcome, Amanda. It’s good to have you with us.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social
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5 Comments
Good decision by Amanda Broom. There’s not enough switchers to Lib Dems though.
We need a strategy review after May’s elections. The fightback can’t continue at a snail’s pace.
I share blame too for mainly being a keyboard activist and sometimes not even that.
Utterly superb, in every sense! This must be told about .Just when I am so dumbfounded people cannot see how , with all the mistakes taken into account , the Liberal Democrats made a difference for the good of the country , it takes a Conservative , now thank goodness ex conservative , and new Liberal Democrat voice to proclaim it .Welcome indeed to Amanda , very much indeed !
Well done and welcome, Amanda
Kris Brown did exactly the same thing five years ago.
He had been a key member of Bill Esterson’s 2010 winning Labour campaign team in ‘Sefton Central’. He joined the Southport Lib Dems but has now migrated on to be chair of Liverpool Lib Dems.
When is she going to resign and stand as a Lib Dem in a by-election ?