A notable shift in local politics has occurred with a new Liberal Democrat Warwick Town Councillor, following his departure from the Conservative Party.

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Warwickshire County Council, Sarah Boad, officially welcomed Oliver Jacques as a new member of the Liberal Democrat faction yesterday (20 September).

Cllr Jacques explained his decision, stating: "I am switching to the Liberal Democrats for three reasons.

"Firstly, I believe that my values now most closely align with those of the Liberal Democrats.

"Secondly, I am confident there is a large and strong liberally-minded constituency in Warwick which has been underrepresented for a long time.

"Thirdly, with Reform becoming the largest party on Warwickshire County Council and the Liberal Democrats being by far the second largest party, I see them as now the only effective opposition able to genuinely challenge Reform and hold them to account on behalf of residents.

He added: "Locally and nationally, I have seen too many Conservative members switch their sympathies or membership to Reform, leading the party further away from the compassionate one-nation Conservatism with which I have identified.

"I also believe locally at the County Council, there has been tacit endorsement of Reform by the Conservative Group through abstentions on key votes, at key moments, in favour of Reform's agenda."

Discussing the welcoming of Cllr Jacques, Cllr Sarah Boad said: "I am delighted to welcome Oliver Jacques to the Liberal Democrats.

"We got to know Oliver both during his time serving on Warwick District Council and particularly from his year as Mayor of Warwick, when he was very active around Warwick and beyond.

"Oliver represented the old 'One Nation' wing of the Conservative Party, which now seems to be effectively defunct, as they veer ever further to the right.

"We are looking forward to campaigning with Oliver across Warwick on the issues that matter to local residents."