Sussex councillor leaves Tories to join Lib Dems

8.42.51pm GMT Tue 17th Nov 2009

Gavin Ayling, Councillor for Buckingham ward on Adur District Council, has today announced that he has left the Conservative party and joined the Liberal Democrats.

'For me, serving the community has always come first,' said Councillor Ayling. 'During my term on the council, I have realised that the Liberal Democrats have the principles and policies that can really help people.

'It is always a big decision to change one's political allegiance, but the conflicts and contradictions in what the Tory party leadership say, and what the councils and councillors on the front line do, has become increasingly difficult for me to live with. The Liberal Democrats offer a real and fresh alternative to the tired authoritarianism of the Labour Party, and to the empty words of the Conservatives. I am looking forward to putting a vision of a liberal Britain forward in next year's council and general elections.'

Councillor James Doyle, leader of Worthing Liberal Democrats, said

'I'm delighted Gavin has decided to join the Liberal Democrats and help us work for the people of Shoreham and West Sussex . In conversations with Gavin I have seen how hard he has thought about this principled decision, and how he is genuinely committed to serving the community.'