Shropshire Independent councillor joins Lib Dems

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Monday, 22 July 2024 15:56

By Mike Sheridan - Local Democracy Reporter

The leader of Shropshire Council’s independent group has joined the Liberal Democrats, narrowing the Conservative majority on the council to just four.

Councillor for Market Drayton West, David Minnery, formally announced his decision over the weekend having thrown his weight behind the Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan in last month’s general election campaign.

Councillor Minnery is a former Conservative councillor, but ran successfully as an independent candidate in the 2021 local elections.

“Having supported the Conservatives for almost all of the last 50 years, crossing the floor to another political party is not a decision I take lightly, but as of today I have joined the Liberal Democrats,” he said.

“There is a big task ahead of the Liberal Democrats going into next May’s Shropshire Council elections, in both providing credible solutions to the financial problems at Shirehall and in campaigning to win a majority of seats.

“Having spoken extensively with the leadership about these issues, I have confidence that the Lib Dem group can do both of those things and more, bringing in much-needed new talent and ways of thinking to Shropshire Council.”

Councillor Minnery’s decision to join the Liberal Democrats will come as little surprise to most, having enthusastically backed North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan’s campaign for re-election this year.

It takes the Liberal Democrat group, already the largest opposition group on Shropshire Council, to 18 councillors ahead of next years local elections.

“I am very proud to be welcoming Councillor Minnery to the Liberal Democrat group at Shirehall,” said Liberal Democrat group leader Roger Evans.

“We pride ourselves on working hard all year round, not just at election time, and listening to residents. I have no doubt that David will fit in perfectly, and add some experience to our team.”