Second LibDem councillor joins Conservatives in Ludlow constituency
Press Release :
26 April 2008
Shropshire Conservatives today welcomed former LibDem councillor Peter Martin into the Conservative Group at Shropshire County Council.
Cllr Martin has represented the Stottesdon ward at the County Council since 2005.
He is the second LibDem county councillor in Shropshire to join the Conservatives in as many weeks.
Local MP Philip Dunne welcomed Cllr Martin saying: "I am delighted Peter Martin has decided to join the Conservatives. For Peter this is a major step across the political divide, which I know he has been considering carefully. He brings considerable talents to the Administration in Shirehall and will continue to be a diligent local councillor in his ward.
In Shropshire this is another very significant symbol reflecting national shifts in political allegiance. Conservatives are attracting capable people, while Labour and the LibDems are in increasing disarray."
Cllr Peter Martin said: "I have been thinking for some time about which party offers the best prospect of changing Britain for the better. After witnessing the LibDems from inside the party, I honestly do not believe Nick Clegg’s LibDems can do so.
I have also become very disheartened locally at the lack of positive direction by LibDem leadership in Shropshire. There is too much back-biting, self interest and negativity.
David Cameron has impressed me and I feel much happier backing him and our local MP Philip Dunne than I do their LibDem counterparts."
Cllr Malcolm Pate said today: "I respect Peter Martin and am very pleased he has chosen to join Shropshire Conservatives. This shows once again how the LibDems are losing the plot and gives added momentum to Conservatives locally as we move towards Unitary elections next year."
The Conservative Group on Shropshire County Council increases to 28, giving an outright majority of 8 over all other parties, doubling the majority in place at the start of the month.
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