A councillor on Warwick District Council (WDC) has left the Conservatives and changed her party allegiance to join the Green Party, taking the group's total to 15 at the local authority.

Cllr Becky Davidson, who has represented Radford Semele ward since May 2023, joined the Green group on Friday (6 September).

Her switch increases the number of Green Party councillors from 14 to 15 and they remain the largest party on the Council.  

Cllr Becky Davidson (formerly Noonan) said her decision had been prompted by having lost faith in the Tories.

"Over the past year, I've realised that my values don't align with my previous party as I once thought they did," she explained.

"The national party have continuously made poor decisions on many issues and policies that I can no longer defend.

"I got into politics because I wanted to make a difference to my local community and I believe I can achieve more for my ward with the support of the local Green Party, with whom, after many shared council meetings, I have come to see my values are much more aligned."

The move leaves the Tories - who were the majority group before the May 2023 elections - with just five councillors at WDC.

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Cllr Davidson added she is "honoured and proud" to represent Radford Semele and the surrounding villages had not taken the decision to resign as a Conservative lightly.

"I appreciate that my decision may be a disappointment to those who continue to support the Conservative Party," she added. 

"I wish to reassure all residents within my ward that I will continue to work hard for the communities I represent."

Explaining her decision to move to the Green Party, Cllr Davidson said she wanted to represent a party people can trust, adding she feels aligned with its policies.

"Green Party councillors are professional, effective and committed to challenging injustice," she said.

"They are environmentally driven, not just in terms of biodiversity and climate crisis, but also in terms of our communities and developing vibrant economies."

The Green Party are in joint administration with Labour on Warwick District Council.

Cllr Ian Davison, leader of the Green Party on council, said: "From her work on the council, we know Becky to be a councillor who is articulate, giving clear reasons for her principled views.

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"She has also been amazing in her efforts to fundraise for her chosen charity.

"She is well-known in her local area, is passionate about her community and determined to do the right thing for her constituents, regardless of party politics. We are very happy to welcome her to the Greens."

Cllr Davidson is one of several Councillors around the country to move to the Green Party in the last year, including in Wirral (from Labour), Kensington & Chelsea (from Labour), Doncaster (from Conservative) and in Stroud (from Labour and Conservative).