Northamptonshire Tory councillor switches to Labour Party

Elliot Prentice blames "numerous failings by the national party" for his switch to the Labour Party

A Conservative councillor has left his party and formally joined the Labour Party.

In a letter to his party, the North Northamptonshire councillor Elliot Prentice blamed "numerous failings by the national party".

He wrote: "I can no longer align myself with the beliefs and values of the Conservative Party as I feel these values are now far from my own."

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has been approached for comment.

Last month two Conservative NNC councillors resigned from the party in a row over plans for a travellers' site.

In a joint resignation letter, they said they were "fed up with being ignored" and it was "embarrassing to admit we represent the Conservative Party".

Mr Prentice was elected to the council in May 2021 where he received 1,731 votes, a 19% share of the vote.

Matt Keane, Labour Group leader at the authority, said he was delighted that Mr Prentice had joined the party.

He added: "Elliot will be a brilliant addition to the North Northamptonshire Labour Group and will continue to be a strong voice for the residents of Ise ward in Kettering."