Carterton North West councillor Phil Godfrey has announced his resignation from the Liberal Democrats and confirmed that he is joining the Conservative Group on West Oxfordshire District Council.
Cllr Godfrey, who represents Carterton North West, said the decision followed growing concerns over the direction of the Liberal Democrats locally and a lack of support on issues he believes matter to the communities he represents.
His decision means he will now work alongside the local Conservative team at West Oxfordshire District Council, including fellow Carterton councillors.
Cllr Phil Godfrey said: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly and there are many reasons why I have reached this point. There are good people within the Liberal Democrats who genuinely care about their communities, but increasingly I feel they are being let down by weak leadership both locally and nationally.”
“For me, there are two issues in particular which have brought things to a head. The first is Carterton Football Club. I have worked hard over the years to try to secure the club the permanent home it deserves, and despite many promises and reassurances, I simply haven't had the support from the Liberal Democrats that I expected to help make that happen.”
“The second is the Liberal Democrat policy to build on the Woodford Way car park in Witney. I cannot support the loss of such an important town centre car park, and I am increasingly uncomfortable with what I see as the party's anti-motorist approach.”
“I have also been impressed by the way the local Conservative team has been campaigning on the issues that really matter to residents, both here in Carterton and across West Oxfordshire. They have shown a willingness to listen, get out into our communities and stand up on important local issues, even when that means challenging decisions being taken by the councils."
"Local politics should be about listening to residents, standing up for our communities and delivering practical solutions. I believe I can do that more effectively as part of the Conservative team and I look forward to working with my new colleagues while continuing to put the residents of Carterton North West first.”
Cllr Michele Mead, Leader of the Conservative Group on West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Phil to the Conservative Group. I have known Phil for many years as a hardworking councillor who cares deeply about Carterton and the people he represents.”
“Phil has shown that he is prepared to stand up for what he believes is right for his residents, even when that means taking a difficult personal decision. He will be a valuable addition to our growing Conservative team and we are looking forward to working closely with him.”
Cllr Liam Walker, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group on West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Phil's decision is significant and reflects some of the concerns we are increasingly hearing about the direction being taken by the Lib Dem-led administration in West Oxfordshire.”
“On issues such as Woodford Way, more anti-motorist schemes, and the lack of infrastructure our communities need, there are clear differences in approach. Phil has decided that he can no longer support that direction and I am pleased he has chosen to join our Conservative team.”
“We won't agree on absolutely everything as no healthy political group does but what matters is that Phil shares our determination to stand up for local residents, protect the facilities our communities rely upon and focus on practical delivery. I warmly welcome him to the team.”
Cllr Godfrey will continue to represent the Carterton North West ward on West Oxfordshire District Council.
