Liberal Democrats Become the Main Opposition Party

The Liberal Democrats have become the main opposition party in Bromsgrove following the Chair of the Council, Sam Ammar, joining the party.

The Lib Dems now have seven councillors on the Council, making them the largest opposition party and the second largest party behind the Conservatives.

Councillor Ammar, who chairs the Council and represents Charford ward, said: "I am delighted to join the hard working team that has been an effective and constructive opposition to the Conservative led Bromsgrove and Worcestershire Councils and the Labour national Government."

"Liberal Democrat national policies align far more closely with my views than those of any other political party at this time. Political parties are dynamic entities, and today, I believe the Liberal Democrats are the only party truly occupying the central ground and committed to upholding international human rights laws and freedom of speech which I hold in very high esteem."

"Locally the Lib Dems have been holding our councils to account by campaigning to protect our Green Belt, and calling for complete transparency in the planning process after Labour increased Bromsgrove’s housing quota without any commitment to infrastructure investment, healthcare, or the provision of school places. Nationally, Lib Dems have been standing up for pensioners against cuts to the winter fuel allowance, calling to scrap the unjust two child benefit cap and for a humanitarian approach which upholds international law amid the conflict in the Middle East."

“I am proud to become a member of the growing party which is active on the ground listening to local residents and standing up for them on the issues that matter most. I am looking forward to continuing my political journey with the Liberal Democrat group to represent and deliver for the people of Charford.”

Following both last month's byelection in Sidemoor, in which the Liberal Democrats won the seat from Labour, and Councillor Ammar joining the party, Lib Dem leader Councillor Rob Hunter is now the new official leader of the opposition on the Council. 

Councillor Hunter welcomed Sam to the Lib Dem team. He commented: "I am delighted that Sam has joined the Liberal Democrats as she has been a fantastic advocate for the residents of Charford as a local councillor and a strong voice for residents across the district as Chair of the Council. I look forward to working with her as we continue to be a growing and constructive opposition party."

The political make up of Bromsgrove District Council is now as follows:

Conservatives - 11

Liberal Democrats - 7

Labour - 6

Independent Group - 5

Unaligned Independents - 2