Green Councillor Martin Allen joins Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats have welcomed Councillor Martin Allen to the party after he announced he was leaving the Green Party following ten years of service.
Councillor Allen, who represents residents on both Worcestershire County Council and Malvern Hills District Council, said he had reached the difficult decision after concluding that the Liberal Democrats now better reflected his values and his commitment to putting local communities first.
Explaining his decision, Martin Allen said:
“After ten years of service, I have concluded that I can no longer remain a member of the Green Party.
“Since there has been a change in leader at the top, events, including Green Leader, Zack Polanski voicing sympathy for the thugs who were imprisoned for an act where a Police Officer, Kate Evans, was hit with a sledgehammer, plus the poor response of the national party’s leadership, have caused me to reflect on whether my values still align with those of the Green Party. I have reached the conclusion that they do not.
“I have decided to join the Liberal Democrats because they believe in doing the right thing for every part of our community. They have shown leadership by stepping forward to help run Worcestershire County Council after previous administrations failed local people.
“Our county and our local communities deserve strong, practical leadership. I am pleased to have been accepted into the Liberal Democrats and look forward to helping continue that work.”
Councillor Allen also said he remained committed to protecting Worcestershire’s countryside and supporting proposals that would strengthen protection against inappropriate speculative development. He also affirmed his commitment to supporting Veterans whenever he can.
He confirmed that, with county council elections due next May, he did not believe it would be right to impose the cost of a by-election on local taxpayers so close to those elections.
Dan Boatright-Greene, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Worcestershire County Council, said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Martin to the Liberal Democrat team.
“Throughout his time on the County Council he has demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving his residents and standing up for the communities he represents. He is a thoughtful, hardworking councillor who will make a valuable contribution to our group.
“The Liberal Democrats are building a strong team focused on delivering better public services, protecting our environment, supporting local businesses and giving communities a stronger voice. Martin shares those priorities, and I look forward to working alongside him.”
Councillor Paul Bennett, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Malvern Hills District Council, said:
“Martin has earned a reputation as a committed local councillor who is passionate about protecting the communities and countryside of Malvern Hills.
“We have worked together on several local issues, and I know he shares our determination to deliver practical solutions rather than political point-scoring.
“His experience and dedication will strengthen our group, and I am very pleased to welcome him to the Liberal Democrats.”
Councillor Allen said he was excited about the challenges ahead and looked forward to working with Liberal Democrat colleagues across Worcestershire to improve services, protect local communities and provide positive leadership for residents.