New political group launched on hung Dudley Council in wake of Labour councillor resigning over 'bullying claims

The catalyst for the foundation of the Unity Group was the departure of Wollaston and Stourbridge Town Councillor Andrew Tromans from the Labour Party due to repeated clashes with the town's MP Cat Eccles, who remains a local councillor.

After May's local elections the Dudley Council chamber, which has 72 councillors, is hung, with the ruling Conservatives with 34 seats running a minority administration. The opposition parties combined tally is 38 with 33 Labour councillors, three Liberal Democrats and two independents.

The Unity Group will mostly vote together to oppose the ruling Conservative Party. Led by Cradley and Wollescote Councillor Ryan Priest the group will try to protect leisure services and pursue the green agenda.

However, Dudley residents will not be able to vote for the Unity Group as it will not on ballot paper Liberal Democrat councillors elected to the council will remain members of the party and will defend their seats as Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Priest said: "Priest said that this unorthodox move will allow councillors put aside the party politics and get on with the job of standing up for residents and holding the Conservative administration to account."

Councillor Tromans, Independent member of The Unity Group said: “I have never been a fan of divisive, tribal politics especially in local government. I have long taken the view that councillors should try to work together where possible for the benefit of local communities. I know this is how Councillors Priest, Khan and Stafford operate as well.

“It is in the spirit of collaboration that I have entered a professional working relationship with the Dudley Liberal Democrats. This relationship will be based on mutual respect, trust and openness.

“I agree with the Dudley Liberal Democrat Group on many issues but where we have difference this will be handled respectfully. We have already started rolling up our sleeves and among other issues, will be working together to protect our leisure services.”

Councillor Priest said: “Dudley Council needs an effective opposition as the ruling group pushes through its program of cuts and closures, we cannot let petty party politics get in the way of good scrutiny."

“I am a proud member of the Liberal Democrats, and I will defend my seat as a Liberal Democrat in 2028, but until then I intend to work collaboratively with members in the chamber of all parties and none to get the best possible deal for communities across the borough."

He added: "Let this also be an olive branch to other members in the chamber, be that unhappy Conservatives tired of being whipped to back cuts, or disgruntled Labour members who want to see more robust scrutiny and opposition – you too have a home with us.”