This month, two councillors have left the Conservatives for Labour, raising the question - should councillors be allowed to change party without re-election?
On Monday, MKFM reported that the a second Milton Keynes Conservative councillor has defected to the Labour party in less than fortnight.
Councillor James Lancaster, who was elected in 2019 as a councillor for Tattenhoe ward, and recently re-elected in May 2023, has left the Local Conservatives and joined the Labour Party, stating that Rishi Sunak has shown a 'shameful lack of leadership'.
The move followed the news that the same decision had been made by Councillor Joe Hearnshaw, less than two weeks prior. Cllr Hernshaw was elected in 2021 as a councillor for Stony Stratford ward.
The recent news has sparked debate between residents and local councillors on whether defection should lead to a re-election.
One resident, posted on Facebook asking the question: 'Whoever voted in recent council elections - should we/can we recall the recently elected candidate from Tattenhoe and ask for a reelection?
'People vote for party.. if candidate changes party after being elected they should resign from the post voluntarily.
'Thoughts?'
The post received a mixed response, with some residents stating that they voted for the councillor and not the party.
'You vote for the candidate not the party! Although many voters do tend to vote for who they want in parliament! But surely you want to vote for someone who puts a lot of sweat into your community?,' one commented.
Currently, voted-in councillors are able to switch political party without facing an election. A by-election is called if a councillor resigns from their seat, leaving it vacant.
Ex-Conservative councillor and mayor Andrew Geary responded to the news that Cllr James Lanacaster was defecting by stating that it will be one of the 'biggest mistakes' of his life.
'Politics should be about conviction, not convenience,' he added.
Alongside Cllr James Lancaster on the Tattenhoe Ward, sits Shazna Muzammil and Manish Verma, who are both members of the Conservative party.
They have released the following response to their ward residents:
"We wanted to take a moment to address recent news regarding the defection of James Lancaster, our Conservative ward colleague to the Labour Party. While we respect his decision, we want to assure you that our commitment to serving and supporting our community remains unwavering.
"As your ward councillors, our priority has always been to prioritize the needs of our residents above all else. We will continue working tirelessly to ensure your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed. Our focus remains on building a stronger and more prosperous Tattenhoe, united in our shared vision of progress.
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the trust and support you have placed in us. Our dedication to serving you remains steadfast, regardless of political affiliations. We are here for you, and we will continue working hard to make a positive difference in the lives of our fellow residents.
"If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your input is invaluable, and we believe that only if we come together, we can shape the future of our very much loved Ward Tattenhoe."
The now-Labour councillor James Lanacaster said the move wasn't 'easy', but has issued a follow-up statement after receiving comments which he brands as 'disgusting'.
"Many are now aware of my recent defection to the Labour Party. As you could imagine, this has been hit with some positivity, as well as some responses that are very saddening to hear and see. I am in this to help my community. That's what I was doing before I became a councillor. It's what I'll still be doing now. I plan to continue to serve as much as I did before," Councillor James Lancaster said.
"I want to personally thank the love and support that has flooded in above the hatred and abuse. no one deserves to get such things regardless of
political nature, but in life. The Support is what has helped massively, and the community who have called, texted, seen me, emailed... you name it. I
thank you from the bottom of my heart. it is what has kept me going in such a difficult decision I had to make.
"Labour have been incredible and helped with what I have needed. It feels like I've been a member for a long time, even though really I have just got
my toes wet in the paddling pool, in what I feel, and many others, a family. Bless to you all, and reach out anytime as you normally would, I am here
to help."
Following the switch from two councillors, the balance of seats within Milton Keynes City Council has now changed.
Milton Keynes City Council comprises 57 Councillors, with one third elected three years in four.
Milton Keynes City Council is currently under no overall control which means that no one political party has over half of the available seats required for an overall majority.
Due to the switch, the makeup of the City Council now stands as:
Conservatives (15 seats)
Labour (27 seats)
Liberal Democrats (15 seats)
A party needs 29 seats to have overall control within Milton Keynes City Council.
