Dudley ex-Labour councillor joins Lib Dems

Councillor Luke Hamblett, who represents the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood ward on Dudley Council, has been sitting as an independent since his decision to quit Labour in March.

He was one of a string of Labour councillors, including group leader Councillor Pete Lowe, who turned their backs on Sir Keir Starmer’s government in protest at the way the country is being run.

Councillor Hamblett, whose term of office expires in 2027, said: “As an accountant serving businesses in Dudley borough, I have seen first-hand just how damaging Rachel Reeves’ budget has been for small- and medium-sized employers.

“The National Insurance rise will cost jobs. I cannot put my name to that.

“In stark contrast, I could see how the Liberal Democrats were thriving and getting stuff done for their residents.

“The Liberal Democrats’ trademark community politics sits comfortably with me as I will continue to deliver for Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood.

“One of the issues I will be focusing on is tackling flytipping and lobbying for investment for our parks.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves says the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions announced in her budget last autumn is vital to fund spending on the NHS to cut waiting lists.

The move by Councillor Hamblett, who is a trustee of the charity The Friends of Alfie Johnson which supports disabled children, means the Lib Dems now have five members of the authority, one less than the newly-formed Dudley Independent Group made up of ex-Labour councillors.

The ruling Conservatives have 35 councillors and Labour has 25, there is one independent councillor who is not aligned with any group.

Councillor Ryan Priest, leader of the Dudley Liberal Democrat Group said: “I know Councillor Hamblett is a committed and hardworking councillor.

“The Liberal Democrats will hold the Conservatives to account and deliver for the residents we serve.”