LONG serving Hesters Way Borough Councillor Wendy Flynn has quit the Liberal Democrat Party to join the Greens.
The former Mayor of Cheltenham has been a councillor for Hester’s Way for 20 years, and her defection has highlighted significant cultural problems in Cheltenham Lib Dems.
Speaking about her decision Councillor Flynn said: “For two years I have been fighting a culture within the Liberal Democrats that is unwelcoming to people of colour - as the Dennis Parsons debacle demonstrated all too well."
“In June 2020 the Council voted to take a zero-tolerance approach to racism in all its forms. Despite this, the Liberal Democrats have just voted in as mayor a councillor who had expressed views that were judged to be racist by a national Lib Dem Standards Committee. I must stay true to my principals, and this means I can no longer be a part of the Liberal Democrats. ”
Cllr Flynn’s defection means Cheltenham Borough Council now has two Green Party councillors, following the election success of Cllr Tabi Joy in St Paul’s last month.
Local Green Party spokesperson Daniel Wilson said: “Councillor Flynn’s principled decision is good for the people of Hester’s Way. For over 20 years Wendy has made Hesters Way her number one priority, and we are delighted she has decided to join us to continue her great work.”
“Wendy will continue to be an outstanding advocate for Hester’s Way as a Green Councillor, in an inclusive Party which represents and supports the whole community.”
Cllr Tabi Joy, the authority’s other Green Party councillor, said: “I have massive respect for Cllr Flynn’s principled move, and am delighted that there will now be a Green group – rather than just me as an individual – able to hold Cheltenham Borough Council to account for their actions.”
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