Leader of East Yorkshire Labour Party joins local Conservatives group
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s leader of the Labour Party group, Cllr Steve Gallant, has announced he is quitting the party to join the local Conservatives.
Conservative MP for Bridlington and the Wolds, Charlie Dewhirst, welcomed the defection, saying Cllr Gallant is joining ‘an excellent group of local councillors’.
Mr Dewhirst said: “I worked closely with Steve when I was deputy leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council and he was always willing to do the right thing to improve services in our area, even when it meant making tough decisions.
“I am delighted he has realised the current direction of the Labour Party is no longer something he can support. He has joined an excellent group of local councillors.”
Cllr Gallant said: “I’ve worked closely with Anne Handley and she’s done a good job as council leader. She’s backed me, given me responsibility, and trusted me to get on with the job. I’m pleased to be joining her team.”
Graham Stuart, Beverley and Holderness MP, added: “Steve and I were working together for Hedon long before we wore the same party colours.
“From campaigning for the cash hub to tackling unwanted telegraph poles and poor mobile signal, I know he’s a formidable campaigner.
“Now he’s joining the Conservatives. Labour’s loss is our gain.”