SANDWELL TORY DEFECTS TO LABOUR

26-06-2007

One of Sandwell’s Conservative candidates at the last local election has quit the party - and joined Labour. His former leader has dismissed the defection as “sour grapes”.

Dave Hadley, who narrowly lost the Old Warley seat, complained that he didn’t have enough support from colleagues. He and his wife Joanne (who has also previously stood for the Conservatives) have now decided to swap sides.

Tony Ward, the leader of the Conservative group on Sandwell Council, was unmoved by the departures.

He said: “Dave and Joanne have both fought seats in the past that were, to be honest, unwinnable. But this time he did have a winnable seat, and I can’t think why he lost it.

“He’s said there’s no help and no camaraderie, but he was given help, and I’m very disappointed that he’s done it. It seems like sour grapes to me.