Weston Conservative councillor defects to Labour Party
Cllr Leonard Purnell. Picture: Weston Town Council - Credit: Archant
A long-standing Weston-super-Mare Conservative Party councillor has switched allegiances to the Labour Party.
Winterstoke Ward Councillor Len Purnell sat on Weston Town Council as a Conservatives for a number of years.
The Mercury understands the defection will not affect Cllr Purnell’s status as a councillor and will not require a by-election.
Cllr Purnell said: “I have felt more akin to the Labour Party’s their values and vision for the past 18 months.
“I have been in public service for 37 years which includes the NHS as a paramedic and Highways England as a traffic officer. I have questioned many of the Conservative policies both nationally and locally.
“I feel the only way forward for myself was to change political party to one which shares my beliefs, in particular with regards to fairness and equality.”
Cllr Catherine Gibbons added: “I’m delighted to welcome Cllr Purnell to the Labour Party.
Most Read
- 1 Busy route to Bristol to close for roadworks next week
- 2 Grand Pier unveils jam-packed Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
- 3 PICTURES: More than a dozen cars damaged in Weston arson attacks
- 4 Police hunt suspected arsonist after rampage in Weston
- 5 IN THE DOCK: Man in court after using daughter's blue badge to park in Weston
- 6 NINE vehicles damaged by fire in apparent arson spree in Weston
- 7 Plan for 115 new homes in village rejected
- 8 McDonald's hopes to open restaurant at business park near M5
- 9 Thatchers donate apple trees in Worle for community orchard project
- 10 Construction finally begins for special educational needs school
“I’ve known Len a while now, he’s hard working and dedicated to the community.”
