A LONG serving Conservative councillor in Redditch has defected to the Green Party.

David Thain will continue to serve West ward but as a Green Party member, becoming the first-ever representative of the party on Redditch Borough Council.

Cllr Thain said he has become dismayed with the Conservative Party, locally and nationally, specifically over “their failure to adopt greener and fairer policies”.

He said: “We need policies that protect the most vulnerable from the rising cost of living.

“We need actions to ensure homes are warm, people are safe, and children fed.

“We should be creating local jobs in the up-and-coming low-carbon sector, whilst doing what we can to enhance our green spaces and natural habitats for future generations.

“Yet the Conservatives don’t seem to grasp the seriousness of all this. So enough’ s enough!”

The former deputy leader of the council has sent out a letter to all Webheath and West ward residents announcing his decision.

Redditch Green Party campaigner Alistair Waugh said he is delighted to have David on board.  

He said: “We value his experience as a councillor, and we’re positive he’ll put people and the planet at the heart of his decision making. It’s time to do politics differently.

“For a fairer society that works for everyone!” 

Redditch Borough Council leader, Cllr Matt Dormer, said he found David’s decision “disappointing”.

He said: “Everything he is saying about climate change, we are working on.

“We are changing our fleets to electric vehicles; windows have been replaced at the town hall with more efficient windows.

“We also have funding for 50 EV charging points around Redditch.

“Unfortunately, David has been the decision to join the green party which I find disappointing.

“Anthony Lovell, our climate change portfolio holder is doing a phenomenal job and all these initiatives have been under him.”