Cheadle Hulme South Councillor Stuart Bodsworth has dramatically joined the Labour Party on the same day as the local elections, acknowledging that Labour is providing the leadership, values and innovation which Stockport needs.

Councillor Bodsworth said ‘All of my work in politics has been directed toward building a more sustainable future for everyone, promoting the values of environmental sustainability and working to reduce social inequality, while maintaining a strong yet fair economy.

‘I no longer believe that the goals I seek can be achieved by the Liberal Democrats.

‘My concern is about the Lib Dems ability to make a difference at a national level, not about what they have done locally. My decision to change party says more about the Stockport Labour Group than it does about the Stockport Lib Dem Group.

‘I believe that Labour now offer local people a genuine alternative to the long term Lib Dem administration that I have been a part of.

‘I hope to continue to work with any colleague on the Council who wants to achieve a more equal, fair and sustainable society in our borough, whichever party they are a member of.’

Councillor Bodsworth was first elected to Stockport Council in May 2003 and has served as Chair of the Regeneration, Housing and Development and the Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committees.

In 2007 he became the Executive Member for the Environment, and also served as the Executive Member for Children and Young People and Communities and Sustainability during a 6 year stint on the Council Executive.

Leader of the Labour Group Councillor Alex Ganotis said ‘I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Stuart to the Labour Group.

‘Stuart is a thoughtful, articulate and experienced Councillor who is dedicated to doing what is in the best interests of people in Cheadle Hulme and elsewhere in Stockport. He has a track record of hard work and will be a great asset for the Labour Party locally.

‘Labour is committed to tackling the challenges our environment faces and working to reduce inequality and build a fairer society. These are things which I know Stuart is incredibly passionate about and I have no doubt that he will continue to ensure they are at the top of the local political agenda.’

Councillor Stuart Bodsworth Biography:

2003 Elected Lib Dem Councillor – Cheadle Hulme South Ward

2005 Chair of Regeneration, Housing and Development Scrutiny Committee

2006 Chair of Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee

2007 Executive Member for the Environment

2011 Executive Member for Children and Young People

2012 Executive Member for Communities and Sustainability

2016 Joins Labour Party