Two councillors quit Conservative group at Cardiff Council

Ted Peskett, local democracy reporter

Two councillors have left the Conservatives group at Cardiff Council.

The decision taken by Cllr Emma Reid-Jones and Cllr Peter Littlechild, who will form a new group together, means that the Tories will no longer be the main opposition at the local authority.

Both councillors, who represent the wards of Lisvane and Thornhill and Pontprennau and Old St Mellons respectively, will remain as Conservative party members and councillors.

We understand that two other members in the Conservative group are also considering leaving.

In a joint statement, Cllr Reid-Jones and Cllr Littlechild said: “We came into politics, to act in an honest and transparent manner, working hard for the benefit of the wards we represent, the people of Cardiff and to advocate for those who don’t feel they have a voice.

“We are dedicated to our Christian and Conservative family values, and therefore need to do what is right and not what is easy.

“Whilst we remain committed Conservative members, we have taken the difficult decision to resign our Conservative whip at Cardiff Council.”

Challenges

One member of the Conservatives group at Cardiff Council, Cllr Joel Williams, said he has been aware of challenges within the group for sometime.

Cllr Williams, who is also the chairman of North and West Cardiff Conservative Federation, has urged the group in a statement to be “uncompromisingly Conservative” in its approach to principals and policy.

A spokesperson for the Conservative group at the council said: “It is with disappointment that Emma Reid-Jones and Peter Littlechild have chosen to leave the Conservative Group.

“This decision comes despite numerous efforts by our group leader to contact them and address any concerns they may have had.

“The Conservative Group has always valued open communication and working together.

“We thank the councillors for their service to the group.”

There will now be nine Conservative group councillors at Cardiff Council.

There are 10 Liberal Democrat group members sitting on the council and that will make them the main opposition to the Labour group.

Committed

Cllr Williams’s statement in full reads: “Cllr Emma Reid-Jones and Cllr Peter Littlechild are two of Cardiff’s hardest working and committed councillors.

“Their decision to leave the Conservative Group on Cardiff Council would not have been an easy decision for them to make.

“I have been aware of challenges within the Conservative Group for sometime and appreciate the efforts made by Emma and Peter to resolve difficulties.

“The Group must ensure we are uncompromisingly Conservative in our principals and approach to policy, offering an alternative to Labour.

“Both Emma and Peter retain their Party memberships.”

The current leader of the Conservatives group at Cardiff Council is Cllr John Lancaster, who took on the role after Cllr Adrian Robson stepped down last year.

Cllr Robson continues to serve as a Conservative ward councillor for Rhiwbina.

Nation.Cymru asked the two councillors whether they could say more about why they considered the Conservative group no longer aligns with their values. Councillor Littlechild responded: “That’s all we are willing to say at this present time.”