A long-serving Labour councillor in Ealing has defected to the Liberal Democrats after nearly three decades representing residents in Acton.
Kate Crawford, who has been a councillor for East Acton ward since first being elected in 1998, has resigned from the Labour Party and joined the Ealing Liberal Democrats. The move follows discussions with the party’s local group leader, Gary Malcolm, and comes ahead of May’s local elections.
Councillor Crawford said her decision followed being told by Labour officials that she would not be selected to stand for re-election. She said: “It was very disappointing to be told that, after 28 years of continuous service, I would not be allowed to stand for re-election. I believe these decisions should be taken by a party’s members and, ultimately, the electors of East Acton.”
She added that her “principles have not changed” and that she intends to stand in May as a Liberal Democrat candidate.
Councillor Malcolm said: “We are delighted to welcome Councillor Kate Crawford as a member of the Liberal Democrats. I have known Kate for more than two decades as a hard-working and conscientious councillor and a consistent carers’ champion. She has always advocated for the people of Acton.”
Following the defection of Councillor Crawford to Ealing Liberal Democrats, an Ealing Labour spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “The Labour Party has thorough selection procedures and sets high standards and expectations of probity and personal integrity for all its elected members and candidates for elections.”
They added: “These processes are undertaken according to the Labour Party’s Rules. It does not comment on the outcome of these procedures.”
