Defection roundup

Posted by David Boothroyd
View David's blog
16 years ago / August 7, 2008

There are two defections from Liberal Democrat to Conservative to note, one from Conservative to Independent, and a question mark over a Labour councillor.

Ian James, elected as a Liberal Democrat in Westham East ward on Weymouth and Portland borough council, has now joined the Conservatives. His move puts the Conservatives within one seat of an overall majority. Cllr James’ wife Christine is also a councillor on Weymouth and Portland but remains in the Liberal Democrat fold.

Colin McPhee, elected as a Liberal Democrat in Eccleshill ward of Bradford city council, has also joined the Conservatives after he was expelled from the Liberal Democrat group.

Max Drury, who had been a Conservative on both Chester city council and the new Cheshire West and Chester shadow unitary council, has had the whip withdrawn after being convicted of harassment of a former business partner. He intends to continue as an Independent councillor.

There is widespread speculation that Chris Maskell, elected as a Labour councillor on Reading borough council, may have a limited time left in the party. His own website is currently radiating Test Card F for some reason, but he has not yet announced any change in allegiance.