FORMER LABOUR COUNCILLOR JOINS LIB DEMS

9.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Feb 2006

Local Lib Dem MP Sarah Teather welcomes former Labour Councillor Dr Alex Castle to the Liberal Democrats.

Former Brent Labour Councillor Alex Castle has joined the Liberal Democrats. Dr Castle had been a Labour Councillor for Tokyngton ward up until 2002.

The news comes on the back of current Labour Councillor Jonathan Davies scathing criticism of the Brent Council Labour leadership last week in the Willesden & Brent Times.

Former Brent Labour Councillor Alex Castle 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 taken us to a war with Iraq, introduced tuition fees and is forcing through ID cards.

"Tony Blair's never-ending support of George Bush has placed Britain at the heart of the worst aspects of American Foreign Policy. Every day under his Premiership we see an ever increasing erosion of our civil liberties.

"Locally I have experienced first hand the workings of Brent's Labour Group. I have experienced the complete lack of accountability of the leadership. I have seen the complete lack of local democracy with Area Forums which are nothing more than a sham attempt to engage local people. Far too often power is placed in the hands of Council officers rather than local people.

"I have admired over the last two years the work that the Liberal Democrats have done both locally and nationally. Nationally the Liberal Democrats have proven themselves as the real alternative to Labour. They have been the only major political party to oppose the war with Iraq. They have led the battle against tuition fees and the erosion of our civil liberties.

"Locally, the Liberal Democrats have championed the needs of local people. The Liberal Democrats have fought against the closure of our local Post Offices; they are fighting for cleaner streets and action on crime. It is for those reasons that I have chosen to join the Liberal Democrats."

Brent Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader Councillor Paul Lorber said:

"Alex Castle was known for his reputation of working hard for local people. We are pleased to welcome him aboard. More and more former Labour supporters are now joining the Liberal Democrats. Tony Blair's Labour Party has badly let down the people of Brent.

"In May local people have the opportunity to send a powerful message to Tony Blair and his Labour Council by electing hardworking Liberal Democrat Councillors. The Conservatives are in a poor third place. Only the Liberal Democrats can beat Labour in Brent."

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More and more fomer Labour supporters are joining the Liberal Democrats.