By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
A leading county councillor who defected from the Conservatives after losing faith in the party last year has rejoined them.
Gloucestershire County Council vice-chairman Sue Williams crossed the floor to the Greens in May after “losing faith” in her party.
The Bisley and Painswick councillor said at the time she could “no longer defend the party’s stance on many issues and policies, including the treatment of asylum seekers fearing deportation to Rwanda”.
However, it appears she has since regained faith in the Conservatives and said it was a “no-brainer” to rejoin.
She cited the Tory administration’s strong financial record after 14 years in leadership – the strongest in the South West.
And it is ranked among the top ten councils for pothole repairs, according to the Telegraph.
“I’m proud to be back with the Conservatives and to support this well-run Council through to May.
“The Conservatives are the only real party that can take on the Lib Dems and deliver for local people and local communities like mine.”
The Green group said they were saddened by her decision to return to the Tory group.
“We acknowledge the work she has done as a local councillor and wish her all the best for the future,” Cllr Beki Hoyland (G, Blakeney and Bream) said.
The political makeup of the County Council is now 26 Conservatives, 16 Liberal Democrats, five Labour Party councillors, four Greens and two independents.