Massive defection from Labour to the Lib Dems

6.53.51pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 25th Aug 2006

A large group of Labour Party members in Derby have today left New Labour and joined the Liberal Democrats.

The defectors include the Chairman of the Arboretum Ward Labour Party, three other former members of the Derby South Labour Party's ruling General Committee, an ex-City and County Councillor and dozens of other local members.

Anger over council cuts, and the Lebanon crisis prompted the defections.

Mr Rawail Peeno, former chairman of Arboretum Labour Party said, "I was a member of the Labour Party for many years, leaving Labour is a really painful thing for me and my colleagues to do. But we have no choice. The Labour Party in Derby has let our city down and we could not remain in it any longer.

"The Labour Council has cut back on pensioners and disabled people's care. Old people are losing their meals on wheels, laundry, washing and dressing services. The Labour Council wants to close Lancaster Sports centre, and they have cut back on Junior Activity Schemes.

"They have made all these cuts but now they have the cheek to consider an inflation busting Council Tax rise of 5% next year.

"To cap it all they have gone into an alliance with the Conservatives on the council.

"It is clear that Labour in Derby have run out of steam. All Labour can do is call the Lib Dems liars, when the Lib Dems are just telling the truth about Labour's cuts.

"Nationally Labour have been a bitter disappointment. Why didn't Margaret Beckett use her position as Foreign Secretary to call for a ceasefire early on and try to halt the needless bloodshed in Lebanon?

"My colleagues and I are delighted to join the Lib Dems, a party of principle who are fighting for good local services and are opposing the Labour Party's failings."

Cllr Lucy Care Deputy Leader of Derby Lib Dem councillors said "I am delighted to welcome Mr Rawail Peeno and his colleagues to the Lib Dems. They will bring a wealth of talent and experience, and will be an asset to our local party.

"For a long time Labour had taken Derby for granted, and it has been a shock for them to see their support moving to the Lib Dems. These defections mark a further shift in this direction.

"There are many other thoughtful and committed people in Derby who are increasingly unhappy with both the Labour and Conservative parties. Locally there is amazement at the Tories' agreement to support Labour running the council and at the serious cuts Labour are inflicting on our local services."