Why I quit Labour - Wirral Conservative defector tells all

May 27 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

Why I quit - councillor

FORMER Labour councillor Denis Knowles has told voters in Seacombe a “burden has been removed from my shoulders” after defecting to the Conservatives last week.

Councillor Knowles joined his new colleagues in Seacombe on Saturday to explain his decision to residents and deliver letters defending his switch.

He said he had become increasingly disillusioned with Labour politicians locally and nationally – with the “turning point” being Wirral Council’s controversial Strategic Asset Review.

He said backbench councillors had not been made aware of the review, which proposed closing Guinea Gap Baths and Seacombe Library in his ward, and he had felt “nothing but unhappiness” after voting to approve the closures.

Cllr Knowles wrote: “I have always wanted to listen to and reflect your views, providing a service and an approachability that you could have confidence in.

“The review changed all that and I was put in a position where I felt I had to choose between my party and the people who voted me on to the council.

“To my ever–lasting shame, I voted with the party despite the petitions and personal requests not to.”

He said he decided to join the Conservatives because of the party’s consistent opposition to the cuts proposed by Labour and pleaded with voters to judge him on his work as a local councillor.

The letter continued: “I personally feel as though I have had a burden removed from my shoulders and can hold my head high. To date, I have received only good reactions for my decision.”