Local councillor moves from Conservatives to Lib Dems

A West Berkshire Conservative councillor has defected to the Liberal Democrats.

Paul Dick – the ward member for Chieveley and Cold Ash and former long-standing headteacher of Kennet School in Thatcham – was elected in 2023, but has today announced he has switched sides to the party currently in power at the council.

“I entered local politics with one goal,” he said. “I sought to continue to use my extensive experience and knowledge of leadership and management, particularly in education, to contribute to the services enjoyed by our West Berkshire community.

“Our children deserve the very best, and I want to assist in the search for excellence for all.

“I have come to admire the dedication and positivity in the Liberal Democrat administration and am keen to join their forward-thinking team.

“Jeff Brooks is an accomplished leader in whom I can place my trust, and I look forward to sharing his ambition for the residents of West Berkshire.”

Welcoming Mr Dick to the group, West Berkshire Council leader Mr Brooks (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Paul to our Liberal Democrat party and our West Berkshire team.

“He brings a huge amount of experience, particularly in education and leadership, alongside a genuine commitment to public service and our communities.

“We have real ambition for the future of West Berkshire and for the services our residents rely on.

“Paul shares that ambition, and I’m really looking forward to working with him as part of our team as we continue to deliver for residents across the district.”

Lee Dillon, the Lib Dem MP for Newbury said: “This is fantastic news for the Liberal Democrats and, most importantly, for the future of West Berkshire.

“Paul is an experienced councillor who cares deeply about our communities and wants to help make West Berkshire an even better place to live.

“He has seen the Liberal Democrat administration at work and shares our positive ambition for what we can achieve in the years ahead.

“We want to bring together people with the experience, energy, and ideas to deliver excellent public services, support our communities, and give West Berkshire the ambitious future it deserves.

“I’m delighted to welcome Paul to the Liberal Democrats, and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Conservative group leader Ross Mackinnon said: “We’re disappointed to see any Conservative member depart, and very surprised that anyone would want to join a Liberal Democrat administration which has lost control of council finances, is running SEND services into the ground and routinely ignores the wishes of residents expressed via consultations.

“On a personal level we wish Paul the best with his new political friends.”