SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Paddy Ashdown commends councillor on courage in changing political allegiance

FORMER Liberal Democrat leader and ex-Yeovil MP, Paddy Ashdown, has described Cllr Amanda Broom’s decision to defect from the Conservatives to the LibDems as “courageous.”

Lord Ashdown, as he is now, said that he was confident that all local LibDem members would join him in giving Cllr Broom and her husband, Wayne, a warm welcome to the party fold.

“It is not an easy thing to change your political party,” said Lord Ashdown. “It takes courage and deep thought. I have met Amanda who approached me for advice and was very impressed by her.

“She has a fine record of service to our community in local Government and a genuine attachment to the principles of our party. She will be a valuable member of our district council group and I believe to our local party as well.”

Cllr Broom’s defection from the Tories to the LibDems comes at a time when the Conservatives at South Somerset District Council have also lost Cllr Dean Ruddle who has become an independent member.

It means the political make-up at the council is LibDems with 30 councillors, Conservatives with 26 and four Independents. It means that although LibDems still do not hold overall control, they will not have to rely on the support of independents as the chairman’s casting vote will give them a majority if all councillors were present for voting.

PHOTO – TOP: Former LibDem leader and Yeovil MP, Paddy Ashdown, with (inset) Cllr Amanda Broom, of South Somerset District Council, who has left the Conservatives and joined the Liberal Democrats.

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