Cllr Alan Dobbie, twice Mayor of the London Borough of Haringey, has joined the Conservative Party, resigning the Labour Whip on the Council and the Labour Party.

Commenting on his decision Cllr Dobbie stated: “This has been no easy decision, but I believe that urgent change and a fresh start is needed, both for Haringey and Britain. At national level we need a Government that has a sense of purpose—something which Labour seems to have lost in recent years.

“I am proud of much that Labour has achieved both locally and nationally in the past. But in recent months especially, Labour has shown how out of touch it is. It no longer seems to speak up for the ordinary person, focusing on the wrong issues, making bad judgements—and too busy worrying about what political posts people will hold and how much they will get for it.”

Richard Merrin, Conservative Party Candidate for Hornsey and Wood Green, added: “Alan will continue to serve as a Councillor for Noel Park until next May, putting the needs of Noel Park first as he always has. Local residents, residents associations, community and voluntary groups and local businesses will still have Alan championing their interests. And thousands of Conservative voters in Haringey will now have a voice on the council.”

Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Conservative Party Chairman also commented: “It is now the turn of other Labour members and supporters in Haringey to take stock—and take positive action by joining the Conservatives as well. We warmly welcome Cllr Dobbie into the Conservative Party in the knowledge that he will bring tremendous insight and experience of local government and his community.”

“For many months now I have felt uncomfortable in being a Labour Councillor. But my experience of the Liberal Democrats on Haringey Council over several years has convinced me that they do not offer a real alternative to Labour. They have no positive vision of their own and are mainly a coalition of the ‘Anti-Labour at any cost’.” continued Cllr Dobbie.

“As a Conservative Councillor I will vote against Labour in the Council Chamber when it is right, not because I am no longer Labour. In the last few weeks as I have met Conservative activists in Haringey and got to know Richard Merrin, the Conservative candidate for Hornsey and Wood Green. In that short time I can see that Richard is committed to working for Hornsey and Wood Green and will be the strongest challenger to Lynne Featherstone and Sean Sullivan to David Lammy in Tottenham.

“I want a better future for Haringey and Britain. The Conservatives under David Cameron’s leadership have recognised past mistakes and made real changes. I want to be a part of that progressive Conservative alliance which will help the residents of Noel Park and the country that I am not ashamed to say that I love.”

ENDs.