SIDEMOOR councillor Sue Douglas has left Bromsgrove Labour Group due to feeling ‘under-appreciated’.
She follows in the footsteps of former Labour leader Michael Thompson in joining Bromsgrove Alliance, now the largest opposition party.
Coun Thompson recently set up his own party – Charford Residents’ Association – within the Alliance group which also includes independents and Wythall Residents’ Association members.
Regarding her decision, Coun Douglas said: “I don’t want to cause a storm in a teacup but I had to leave because I was under a lot of stress.
“Throughout my working life I have had to put up with certain things which I refused to put up with any longer.
“But I want to make it clear that I am still a supporter of the Labour Party.
“I just think I will be able to achieve far more for Bromsgrove and my residents from this new position.”
There are now only three Labour councillors on Bromsgrove District Council, leader Coun Peter McDonald, Coun Luke Mallett and Coun Harrison Rone-Clarke.
Altogether there are six members of Bromsgrove Alliance, also known as Independents.
Coun Rone-Clarke said: “I want to thank Sue for her guidance as we both took on the role of councillor at the same time last May.
“I wish her all the best.”
Bromsgrove Labour leader Coun Peter McDonald said: “It was extremely surprising and disappointing to members of the group as we had no idea how she felt.
“She was elected as a Labour councillor and, knowing Sue as I do, I hope she will do the honourable thing and stand down so she can stand again as an independent in a by-election.”
