By Rachel Charman
Members of Southend’s Labour Party have claimed that the actions of Cllr Jason Luty have left the Conservatives weakened.
Cllr Luty announced a fortnight ago that he intends to stand as an Independent councillor in Westborough at the next election, instead of in his current ward, Eastwood Park, where he is a Conservative councillor.
This will leave 25 Conservative councillors and 25 councillors from other political parties and independents.
Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Southend West Tom Flynn claims that this puts the Conservatives at risk of “losing control” at the next election.
Mr Flynn told Councilbust.com:
“This is a huge blow to the Conservatives in Southend.
“They would have us believe that they’re heading for government, but in fact they can’t even command the loyalty of their own councillors.
“The Conservatives have let down Southend and they’re paying the price.
“It’s time for a new direction for Southend, and I shall be working with the Labour group of councillors to offer local people a real alternative.”
