Top Tory Councillor Crosses the Floor to Join Lib Dems (Andrew Simpson)

Top Tory Councillor Crosses the Floor to Join Lib Dems

February 24, 2005 10:15 PM

Shadow Cabinet member for Social Care and Health, Councillor Malcolm Mildren stunned the County Council today by resigning from the Conservative Party and 'crossing the floor' to join the Liberal Democrats during the full Council meeting to set the budget for 2005/06.

Cllr Mildren said "I can not support the narrow self interest and 'Little Englander' views of the current Tory leadership on the County Council or in Parliament. The Conservative Party has simply abandoned any belief in community, in the need to care for the frail, elderly and disadvantaged. Only the Liberal Democrats speak up for the values of personal freedom with social responsibility. I am resigning from the Conservatives forthwith and will apply for membership of the Liberal Democrats".

Welcoming Cllr Mildren, Lib Dem County Councillor Sally Beardsworth said "Malcolm has an excellent record of arguing for social responsibility in this Council. The Tories long ago abandoned any pretence of caring for anyone but themselves. They know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Malcolm is an excellent Councillor and most welcome to join us".

Northampton North Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesman, Andrew Simpson, welcomed Cllr Mildren saying "People of conscience are joining the Liberal Democrats in increasing numbers - from the Tories, from Labour and from no political party. They realise that the Liberal Democrats are the only real opposition to this discredited and untrustworthy Labour government. Locally, the Tories may pose and posture - but they are yesterday's party, promoting yesterday's ideas. Malcolm Mildren has the foresight to see that the future is with the Liberal Democrats. He is welcome. I expect to be welcoming other Conservatives before too long".

Lib Dem Local Party Chair, John Rawlings - who left the Labour Party to join the Liberal Democrats just two years ago - said "Malcolm Mildren will not regret this decision. Like me he will be welcomed and will find the openness and challenging ideas of the Liberal Democrats refreshing. The Liberal Democrats are on the verge of a very significant advance in the forthcoming elections. I hope Malcolm will be a part of that leap forward".

Malcolm Mildren has been a County Councillor since 1997. He initially represented Brackley and currently, Middleton Cheney. It is anticipated that he will stand for the Liberal Democrats in the County Council elections in May though presently no decision has been made on which seat he will contest. Malcolm is a Chartered Accountant. Outside work and politics his interests include maintaining practical classic cars.