THE BROMSGROVE Liberal Democrats look set to become the biggest opposition party on the district council after Coun Sam Ammar joins their ranks.
The former Labour and independent councillor, and current chairman, has made the switch which means the Lib Dems are the authority’s second biggest party behind the Conservatives.
Councillor Ammar, who represents Charford ward, said: “I am delighted to join the hard working team that has been an effective and constructive opposition.
“Liberal Democrat national policies align far more closely with my views than those of any other political party at this time.
“Political parties are dynamic entities, and today, I believe the Liberal Democrats are the only party truly occupying the central ground and committed to upholding international human rights laws and freedom of speech which I hold in very high esteem.
“I am proud to become a member of the growing party which is active on the ground listening to local residents and standing up for them on the issues that matter most.
“I am looking forward to continuing my political journey with the Liberal Democrat group to represent and deliver for the people of Charford.”
Coun Ammar resigned from the Labour Party in June this year after she accused them of parachuting in a candidate to stand in July’s general election instead of her, despite having party support locally.
At the time of her resignation, a spokesperson for the Labour Party told the Standard: “The Labour Party has selected the very best candidates to stand to be Members of Parliament.”
The newly appointed Lib Dem went on to praise her fellow party members for holding the council and government to account on various pertinent issues including protecting the greenbelt, new national housing targets, cuts to pensioners’ winter fuel payments and more.
With Sam Ammar and new by-elected Sidemoor councillor, James Clarke, among the Lib Dems ranks, the party has seven councillors and makes up the second largest party on the council.
Coun Rob Hunter, now officially the new opposition leader of the council, welcomed Sam to the Lib Dem team.
He added: “I am delighted that Sam has joined as she has been a fantastic advocate for the residents of Charford as a local councillor and a strong voice for residents across the district as chair.
“I look forward to working with her as we continue to be a growing and constructive opposition party.”
Bromsgrove District Council is now made up of 11 Conservatives, seven Lib Dems, Six Labour, five Independents and two unaligned independents.
