Senior Northampton Conservative Councillor joins the Labour Party

One of Northampton's most senior Conservative councillors has today announced that he has left the Conservative Party and is joining the Labour Party.

Councillor David Palethorpe, who has represented Billing Ward since 2003, is a long-standing member of the Conservative Party and recently the Leader of Northampton Borough Council.

Announcing his decision, Cllr Palethorpe said: "Over recent weeks it has become increasingly obvious to me that my views are at increasing odds with the Conservatives locally in Northampton and within the County.

"The cuts that both the Conservatives are making to services on Northampton Borough Council and the county council are going to have a real impact on local residents and I no longer feel that the decisions they are making are putting the people of Northampton first.

"This isn't a decision that I have taken lightly. I am a local councillor who has always put the needs of Billing first and I will continue to do this as a Labour councillor."

Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Lee Mason, welcomed David to the Labour Party: "I am delighted that David has taken the decision to join the Labour Party.

"David brings with him a wealth of experience and I know that as the Labour Group continues to hold the Conservatives to account on Northampton Borough Council, he will be a big asset to our group.

"I am looking forward to him joining us as we look towards the 2013 county elections and then onto the 2015 local elections where we will be campaigning hard to increase our representation on the council."