Veteran East Acton ward councillor Kate Crawford has criticised Ealing Labour’s leadership as “controlling”, saying “Labour left me” in her first interview since defecting to the Liberal Democrats.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS outside Ealing Town Hall on Wednesday (25 March 2026), Councillor Crawford – who served as a Labour councillor for 28 years – defended her record and described her departure as both a shock and a turning point.
She said: “I was called an exceptional and outstanding councillor. I can’t be faulted — they will find it very hard to find any cause of complaint against the work I do in the Town Hall and in the community.”
Councillor Crawford was responding to a statement from Ealing Labour in which a 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.”
While she said she had “always wanted to be loyal”, Councillor Crawford was openly critical of Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council and the borough’s Labour group.
Councillor Crawford revealed: “I find him a very controlling leader. There is very little discussion in Labour group meetings. I’ve always wanted to be loyal to him, and I haven’t been disloyal.”
Councillor Crawford said being told she had not met the party’s standards “was a shock”, prompting her to briefly sit as an independent before deciding her next move.
She said: “I took time to think about it. I wanted to fully consider my options. I was only an independent for a few days, had a meeting with the Liberal Democrats, and my decision was made — no question.”
Residents in East Acton had expressed surprise at her departure, with some questioning what it would mean for her future role in the ward.
Councillor Crawford said: “The message to them is that Labour left me. I’ve found a better fit, and I welcome a challenge. I haven’t changed — my principles haven’t changed.”
She added: “I was almost ready for retirement, but I’m in. I’m no spring chicken — and neither are a lot of my voters — so I shall be supporting them on the campaign.”
Councillor Crawford also rejected suggestions she had been constrained as a Labour councillor, pointing to her long record of casework and advocacy on housing, health and social care.
She said: “I don’t think I’ve ever been restrained as a councillor. If you’re not happy, you question decisions. I’m always working and driving, and my residents are there with me.”
The East Acton councillor also pointed to her personal experience as a carer, which she said had informed her work on health and social care. She said she had recently raised the need for greater support, including access to therapy, for carers dealing with complex and demanding situations.
Her defection was welcomed by Councillor Gary Malcolm, leader of the Ealing Liberal Democrats.
He told EALING.NEWS: “Some of her personal experience as a carer feeds into the sort of committees she was on… and the issues she has spoken about in scrutiny.”
Councillor Malcolm added: “With Kate, the Liberal Democrats will be stronger. We’ve got huge experience — I have 24 years, Councillor Ball has 24 years, and Councillor Crawford has 28 years — and that will help us deliver positive change.”
He also criticised Labour’s response to Councillor Crawford’s departure.
Councillor Malcolm said: “It’s just sour grapes. They should accept it and be an adult rather than making childish remarks.”
Looking ahead to the 7 May 2026 elections, Councillor Malcolm said the LibDems were seeking to build on its position as the council’s official opposition.
He said: “The Liberal Democrats now have real momentum. Four years ago we became the official opposition – before that we were the third party.”
