Leading Conservative Councillor switches to Lib Dems

12.00.00am GMT Thu 18th Dec 2008

Conservative-run Northamptonshire County Council has been dealt a fresh blow, as a high-profile County Councillor switched to the Liberal Democrats ahead of a crucial council meeting.

Weston, Northampton, County Councillor, Maureen Hill, made the switch in reaction to the Conservatives' decision to slash £1.3 million from Family Support funding in their pre-election budget.

Cllr. Maureen Hill becomes the ninth member of the Liberal Democrat opposition at County Hall.

Commenting on the move, Maureen said: "The Liberal Democrats have taken tough steps in their 18 months in power at the Guildhall to turn around the fortunes of a Borough Council, neglected by successive Labour and Conservative administrations.

"The Liberal Democrats are now the only party that have the right vision and values to succeed in the Twenty-first Century. The Conservatives have forgotten their commitment to ordinary people and frankly aren't prepared to work hard for their communities.

"Labour are now non-existent in most people's eyes, having failed in Northamptonshire and nationally.

"More and more, Conservative and Labour supporters are turning to the Liberal Democrats.

"I am convinced that in tough economic times, the Liberal Democrats' approach is the right one, to help hard pressed people on low incomes through difficult times and remaining committed to personal freedoms and social justice.

"I am delighted to be joining them and look forward to their successes at next year's County Council elections."

Scott Collins, Parliamentary Candidate for South Northamptonshire said "This is a great moment for the Liberal Democrats in the County as it further shows just how far the Conservative administration of the County Council are not only losing touch and support from the wider public but also within their own elected members. I must say that in a time of huge economic pressures across Britain and the County it shows that the Conservative answer is to slash budgets to the most vulnerable in society as they have done countless times before. This time it has cost them an outstanding Councillor and next June it will cost them more seats across the County"

Lib Dem County Council Group Leader Brian Hoare added: "I am delighted to welcome Maureen to the Liberal Democrats. She has always made thoughtful, well informed and incisive contributions to the council, and has earned wide respect. The Conservative party has clearly moved away from her values, and she will find a warm welcome in our party."

Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, Paul Varnsverry,(In whose Constituency Weston falls) echoed these thoughts, adding "Maureen's significant skills and expertise will blend well with and compliment those of her colleagues in the County Liberal Democrat Group. I am looking forward to working with her."

Maureen Hill's email to Paul Varnsverry, announcing her decision:

Dear Paul,

Some people change their principles for the sake of their party I have decided to change my party for the sake of my principles and join the Liberal Democrats.

Tory bosses at NCC want to cut £1.3million from Family Support which will impact on some of the most vulnerable in our society, in particular in the area of safeguarding children

They have spent millions of taxpayers money on consultants, on payoffs to retiring Chief Executive Officers and have botched the sale of school sites, leaving sites abandoned while local wishes have been ignored.

Increasing numbers of our schools are in special measures and they are bringing in an education supremo to sort things out, another financial burden for our hard-pressed tax payers while our children are being let down.

Their promises to hold down council tax have been made at the expense of some of the most vulnerable members of our society who now pay the price for the Conservative's profligacy and failure.

Maureen