Labour politician defects to Green Party

Councillor Alsayed Al-Maghrabi said he felt Labour left him rather than the other way around

A Labour councillor has defected to the Green Party after being "deeply disappointed" with Labour's national leadership.

Bristol City Council councillor Alsayed Al-Maghrabi said he left Labour after feeling alienated by the party's policies around wealth tax and immigration.

The Green Group, now holding 35 seats on the council - just one short of a majority - said they were "delighted" and "so pleased he has found a political home with us".

A Bristol Labour Party spokesperson said it was "disappointing" that he had decided to join the Greens "after local people chose a Labour voice to represent them".

Mr Al-Maghrabi joined the Labour Party seven years ago, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In the statement issued by the Green Party, Mr Al-Maghrabi said he joined Labour to "fight for fairness, compassion and social justice".

"Sadly, I no longer recognise those values in the national Labour Party," he said.

"Over time, it has become apparent that the party left me, rather than the other way around - making myself and many others on the left in Labour politically homeless."

Mr Al-Maghrabi, who is Palestinian, said his decision was based on a "deep disappointment" in the party's leadership including its "refusal to tax wealth" and "echoing Reform's divisive rhetoric on immigration", he said.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that this decision is not a reflection on my local Labour colleagues, who continue to work hard for their communities and hold fast to the principles that once defined our movement," he added.

'Huge asset'

His defection means the Greens now have half of the council's 70 seats.

Councillor Emma Edwards, leader of the council's Green Group, said Mr Al-Maghrabi is a "hard-working councillor".

"It is a brave thing to leave a party that no longer aligns with you and to stand up for what you believe in," she said.

While Green Party leader Zack Polanski said he was "thrilled" by Mr Al-Maghrabi's move.

"He will be a huge asset to the Greens in Bristol, and we're delighted to have him on board," he said.

A Bristol Labour Party spokesperson, said the move was "disappointing".

"Labour is focused on renewing Britain and is delivering for Bristol," they said.

"In contrast, the Green Party in Bristol are letting residents down with mismanagement and broken promises."