LONG serving Redditch Borough Councillor David Thain has quit the Conservative Party to join the Greens.
The former council finance portfolio holder last month warned the borough under the Conservatives was heading for another Section 24 warning from the auditors with the possibility of falling into bankruptcy.
“I’ve become dismayed with the Conservative Party, locally and nationally, especially over their failure to adopt greener and fairer policies that affect all of our families’ futures,” said Coun Thain.
“I think politics should be about helping local communities. As someone who cares deeply about Redditch and its residents, I’m not convinced the Conservatives truly feel the same way.”
The former deputy leader and group chair added he had urged council Leader Matt Dormer to take action against climate change last year – but nothing had been done.
“My email was ignored and no such plan has ever been enacted – or even discussed! Currently, there isn’t one. No plan at all. Zilch. Nada. Nothing.
“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.
“If you’re lucky enough to have grandchildren, then just ask them what we need to do about climate change. It’s pretty obvious!
“So enough’s enough! After much consideration, I’ve decided to join the Green Party in Redditch, whose values I think will better benefit our community.”
Local Green Party campaigner Alistair Waugh said: “We’re delighted to have David onboard. 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!”
In the upcoming local elections on May 5, the Green Party have a candidate in every ward.
Whilst David Thain is the first ever Green Party councillor at Redditch council, on other local councils like Solihull, the Green Party are the main opposition. In Worcester, the Green Party hold the balance of power.
Coun Matt Dormer, the Leader of Redditch Borough Council said: “As group leader I’m saddened and disappointed by David’s decision, but not surprised.
“This seems timed to deliver as much damage as possible and follows his comments on council finances, which were history and not current now.
“I would have had more respect for him if he had come to me and said he now had different views and was joining the Green Party.
“As for his suggestions on tackling climate change, David has not been privy to the huge steps being taken by Coun Anthony Lovell, our climate change portfolio holder, to address the council’s response to this.”
