Media notice – for immediate dispatch
Carlisle & District Green Party have called for Parklands and Harraby South Carlisle City Councillor to resign immediately from the local authority.
Jo Ellis-Williams announced her defection from the Labour Party to join the Conservatives in a statement on Friday morning.
Gavin Hawkton, Chair of the Carlisle & District Green Party said:
“Councillor Ellis-Williams was elected by the voters of Parklands and Harraby South in good faith as a Labour councillor. If she wants to change her party then that’s up to her, but she should resign her seat first and put it to voters in a by-election. The decision to switch parties impacts on the rest of the city as it now means that the Conservatives hold a majority because of her defection. To not resign would mean she is treating her ward and the wider city with utter contempt. We look forward to her clarifying her position.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
For further information please contact Gavin at contact@carlisle.greenparty.org.uk