News / Politics
Greens gain a councillor as Lib Dem defects
Liberal Democrat councillor Fi Hance has defected to the Green Party in what she describes as a stand against austerity.
Her move follows six losses for the Lib Dems and seven gains for the Greens in the recent local council elections.
“I have an enormous amount of respect for many of my former colleagues in the Liberal Democrats who work very hard for their local communities,” said Hance, councillor for Redland since 2009.
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“However, it is clear that the Green Party is the only party which is attempting to find an alternative to the dogma of austerity which is harming so many of the most vulnerable people in Bristol.
“I will continue to do my best to represent the people in Redland as their councillor – a job that I love.”
Existing Green Party councillors voted to accept Hance into the party following her application.
Martin Fodor, fellow Green ward councillor for Redland, said: “I have been impressed with the dedication and knowledge Fi has brought as a local councillor and individual and I look forward to working even closer with her on wider issues over the coming years now we are in the same party and group. We will be a great team here for the people of Redland.”
Hance’s move means the Greens now have 14 councillors, while the Lib Dems have nine. Labour are the largest party with 30 out of 70 seats. The Tories have 16 and Ukip have one.
Former Lib Dem councillor and cabinet member Guy Poultney also moved to the Green Party after losing his seat in 2013. He became the Green’s campaign coordinator for the South West last year.
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