Labour Councillor joins the Liberal Democrats in Brent

9.50.31am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Apr 2006

Councillor Jonathan Davies is welcomed to the Liberal Democrats by Lib Dem Brent Council Group Leader Paul Lorber and Sarah Teather MP

Brent Labour Councillor Jonathan Davies has joined the Liberal Democrats. Mr Davies was elected as the Councillor for Queen's Park in 2002.

Mr Davies defection comes in the light of his concerns with the Labour Party nationally and locally. Councillor Davies is standing down at the local elections.

Councillor Jonathan Davies said:

"Over the last few years I have been reflecting on my position within the Labour party. I can no longer be in a party that has lied to us about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, introduced university fees and is forcing through ID cards.

"I have realised that the beliefs I stand for such as the safeguarding of our civil liberties, international justice and a free and fair society are best represented within the Liberal Democrats.

"There is a tremendous struggle being fought in this country for personal freedom. With the Labour Government determined to diminish our fundamental rights and freedoms. The Liberal Democrats are the only party who are fighting to maintain them.

"Locally I have been disillusioned with the way Labour has run Brent Council for sometime. I have seen first hand how decisions are made with no regard for the basic principles of democracy.

"Brent Labour leadership has abolished debate within Brent Council, Blair has abolished it within the Labour Party and now they are putting through a Bill to abolish debate in Parliament.

"The issue of Queen's Park Tower is a classic example of Brent Labour in action. Consultation with local communities is kept to a bare minimum with decisions being made by a small cabal of Labour politicians and unelected Brent Council officers.

"Throughout my time as a Councillor I have always endeavoured to serve my constituents to the best of my ability, I will continue to do this for the remainder of my term in office.

"I have long admired the Liberal Democrats work on Brent Council. Their work in representing local residents is second to none. Their opposition to the Queen's Park Tower has proved their determination to fight on behalf of local people. They have a record of working to protect the local environment for the benefit of local people."

Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Jonathan embodies the deep frustrations many former Labour supporters feel with Tony Blair's Labour Government. Our opposition to ID cards, university fees and the war with Iraq has shown we are the real alternative to this tired Labour Government."

Brent Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader, Councillor Paul Lorber said:

"We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the group. He shares many of the frustrations that local people have with Brent Labour.

"On May 4th the residents of Brent have the opportunity to end 8 years of Labour rule by supporting the Liberal Democrats. As Sarah Teather's victory has shown only the Liberal Democrats can beat Labour in Brent. The Conservatives are in a poor third place across Brent."