Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Mel de Cruz crosses the floor to join the Liberal Democrats

January 3, 2006 7:30 PM
Cllr. Richard Church & Cllr. Mel de Cruz

Lib Dem County Group Leader Richard Church with Cllr Mel de Cruz - "With the Liberal Democrats I have found my political home." said Mel

Mel de Cruz, a County Councillor from Northampton - and until recently a member of Labour's shadow cabinet - has sensationally joined the Liberal Democrats.

Explaining her move she said "Labour Shadow Cabinet meetings became increasingly surreal - totally divorced from reality or from the needs of local people. Nationally, it is only the Liberal Democrats who are opposing Tony Blair's education policies, which will reduce opportunities for many young people, and it is the Liberal Democrats who have consistently opposed the war in Iraq. I was in the wrong party. With the Liberal Democrats I have found my political home. They share my desire to help local people and to enable people to help themselves".

Welcoming Mel de Cruz, the Liberal Democrat County Council Group Leader, Richard Church, said "Mel is a natural community politician. She loves working with people and has a real passion to improve the quality of life of people in Spencer."

Mel's joining the Lib Dems increases Liberal Democrat County Council Group to eight. Richard Church added "the Liberal Democrats have already demonstrated in their opposition to the closure of Roadmender, redundancies at Nordis and threats to Grendon Hall and after school clubs that they are the more effective opposition to the arrogant and uncaring 'slash and burn' Tories.

"Mel brings considerable expertise on children and young peoples' issues. She will greatly strengthen our, already formidable, Group on these vital issues."

Mel de Cruz concluded "The destruction of the Tory's arguments to close Roadmender by the Liberal Democrats compared with the limp and ineffective opposition from Labour finally convinced me that I wanted to be part of the Liberal Democrat team. I have been made very welcome and I look forward to working hard with my new colleagues to improve life for residents and to challenge this arrogant and uncaring Tory administration".

ENDS

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    ketteringlibdems.org.uk/en/article/2006/125586/mel-de-cruz-crosses-the-floor-to-join-the-liberal-democrats
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    ketteringlibdems.org.uk/a65pC

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image