A FORMER Labour councillor who has defected to the Green Party in what he called a ‘difficult but necessary decision’ has thrown his weight behind Duncan Kerr for North Shropshire by-election.

Councillor Craig Emery, chairman of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council, performed strongly for Labour in the 2021 local elections, but has made the move to join the rival party ahead of the December 16 election.

He said he has been inspired by the difference he believes Mr Kerr has made as a representative of both Oswestry Town and Shropshire Councils, and felt he could do more as a Green councillor.

He said: “Sometimes you get to the point when you realise something needs to change.

"I looked at the difference Duncan and the Greens had made on Oswestry Town Council and thought this is genuinely a party that wants to do things to improve the area I live in.

“It’s not an understatement to say this election is so important, lots of parties are trying to claim they have the ‘local’ candidate who was born and raised in Shropshire – frankly to me it doesn’t matter where you were born but what you do.

"Duncan is the only candidate who has a record of improving things for the people in North Shropshire.”

Mr Kerr welcomed Cllr Emery to the party.

He said: "Many hard working community activists have given their support during the campaign and I couldn’t be happier that Craig, who has an outstanding record on Selattyn and Gobowen Parish council, is now joining us.

"I am sure he will be a huge character that will shape the future of our area.

"The Green Party is going from strength to strength in North Shropshire as people see that we aren’t just active at election time but work for residents all year round.

"There has never been a better time to join the growing number who realise that to get real change you need to vote Green.”