Ex-Conservative councillor Tony Carey has officially joined the Liberal Democrats after resigning from his former party earlier this year.
Mr Carey, who represents the Brislington East ward, resigned from the Tories in July following the election of Boris Johnson as Conservative leader and his pursuit of a ‘no deal’ Brexit at any cost.
He has since sat as an Independent on Bristol City Council, but has now decided to join the Liberal Democrat Group.
It takes the number of Lib Dem councillors on the council to nine, and comes just a month after former Labour councillor Sultan Khan also joined the party.
Speaking about his decision to join the Lib Dems, Mr Carey said: “As councillor for Brislington East I have worked closely with Lib Dem Brislington West councillor Jos Clark and I believe through the Lib Dems I can be a local councillor who stands up for their ward and residents.
“I completely agree with the Lib Dem policy to give people the choice to scrap the mayor and will be working with them on new ideas to ensure local communities have more say rather than just one out of touch individual holding all the power.
“I still have friends within the Conservatives and I have no personal animosity towards my former colleagues but in all good conscience I could not remain in a party led by Boris Johnson.”
Welcoming him to the party Lib Dem Group leader at the council, Gary Hopkins, said: “I am delighted to welcome Tony to the Liberal Democrats and have no doubt that he will be a key part of our citywide team and our very strong team in Brislington.
“As Liberal Democrats our interests are in ensuring all our communities are heard and that the council continues to work for the betterment of the entire city.
“Tony is well known as a hard working local councillor and we are very keen to also work with him on environmental policies and clean air proposals that he takes such a keen interest in.”
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