THE leader of the Labour Group on Solihull Council has defended his decision to cross the floor and join the ruling Conservative group.
Councillor David Cole, who has represented Kingshurst and Fordbridge for just under four years as a borough councillor, previously chaired Kingshurst Parish Council from 2008 to 2018 and is its xcurrent vice chair,
The long term Kingshurst resident said he was joining the Conservatives because of the commitment they were showing to Kingshurst and Fordbridge.
“It is increasingly clear that the Conservatives in Solihull are making a serious commitment to Kingshurst and wider North Solihull,” he said.
“Central to that is the multi-million pound investment that is going to deliver the new flagship Kingshurst village, which will transform the centre of our local community.
“They have also shown strong support for employers in our area like Birmingham Airport and JLR and that’s crucial for people’s jobs and livelihoods.”
“My priority is improving the lives of the people of Kingshurst and Fordbridge, and I recognise that the Council, Mayor Andy Street and local MP Saqib Bhatti share that commitment.
“So, I believe that by joining them I can achieve much more for the local community, which is why I have decided to formally join the Conservatives.”
Leader of the Conservatives on Solihull Council Councillor Ian Courts said: “David Cole is a well-respected hardworking councillor who is a strong champion for Kingshurst and Fordbridge, so I am delighted that he has chosen to join our team and to work with us for the local community and its’ residents.
“He will be even more effective as a member of our administration than he was as an opposition councillor.”
