A Rushcliffe Borough Councillor for West Bridgford has defected from the Labour Party to the Green Party this week, after a spell as an independent.
One-quarter of the council wards in West Bridgford now have Green Party Councillors.
Cllr Benjamin Gray has represented Lutterell Ward, which includes Wilford Hill, for the last four years, and spent two years as the leader of the Labour Group on the council.
Cllr Gray told West Bridgford Wire:
“The Green Party focus on community, and what can actually be done on the Borough Council to make a tangible difference for local residents.
“We want to empower residents in West Bridgford, and spend our energy making our area an even better place to live.”
A letter to residents is being delivered to residents explaining the change which reads:
Dear Neighbour,
Since being elected to represent you in Lutterell Ward in 2019, I have always tried to do the right thing for all residents of the ward and West Bridgford. I recently took the decision to leave the Labour Party, having been a member since 2013, and leader of the group on the Borough Council.
I became involved in politics to focus on community, the environment, and making the country a fairer place. In recent years I feel that the Labour Party has focused too much time and energy on internal politics.
My principles have not changed, and I believe that my time, energy, and efforts are better spent where there is a common goal to build our communities, protect the environment, and build a fairer society.
I have been consistently impressed with local Green Party Councillors, Richard and Sue Mallender and how they participate in and nurture the community in Lady Bay. I looked to their examples to help form our resident’s association, inform environmental issues in the borough, and even to kick off our first community Safari Sale (which Cllr S Mallender opened as Mayor of Rushcliffe).
As well as being community champions they have skilfully, and tactfully held other parties on the borough council to account, resulting in successful changes and strong actions, rather than just hot air.
After a time of considerable reflection I decided to join the Green Party where I believe I can continue to make a difference in our community and better look out for you as residents.
There are just a few weeks left before the next Borough Council elections, and I hope that with your support I can represent you again. I’ve worked extremely hard over the last four years to make a difference in the ward and bring people together, no matter their background or political leaning.
As a Green Party Councillor I will be better supported to continue to make positive changes and look after the area we live in and look out for the wellbeing of all our neighbours.
I will continue, as always, to be available for residents and encourage you to contact me if you need any help with local issues or just to express your concerns or opinions. I will always put you first and continue to do the right thing for the residents of West Bridgford.
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