A FORMER Oswestry mayor has highlighted the ‘hard work’ of North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan as the reasons behind his defection to the Liberal Democrats.

Councillor Jay Moore, who was mayor in 2022/23, will join the Lib Dems with fellow former Green Party members Cllrs Rosie Radford and Jonathan Upton.

The Greens have held the majority in the council since 2021. 

The three councillors in Oswestry have confirmed their plans to join the Liberal Democrats and support Mrs Morgan’s re-election bid later this year.

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Cllr Moore, for Gatacre, Cllr Radford for Cambrian and Cllr Upton (Maserfield) say they want to ‘put Oswestry first, not narrow party politics’ and are making the move as a ‘positive step with no ill feeling to their previous party’.

The announcement comes two years to the day after Mrs Morgan was sworn in as the MP for North Shropshire, after winning a surprising victory over the Conservatives in the December 2021 by-election.

The Lib Dems will now have four councillors in Oswestry after James Owen won a by-election last year.

Cllr Moore said: “Anyone paying any attention knows how much work Helen Morgan does for north Shropshire.

“I really think having more councillors with a direct link to our MP will be a huge benefit for Oswestry. 

“I’m really excited to be joining her team and standing up for Oswestry residents with a group of local, hardworking councillors like James, Rosie and Jonathan.”

Cllr Radford added: “This is a really exciting and positive step for Oswestry. 

“As a councillor, giving people a voice is your top priority.

“I’m here to listen and understand people’s viewpoints, and to stand up for residents who are too often ignored.

“For me, joining the Lib Dem team is the best way to do that.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is the right one to get the best deal for Oswestry and support Helen – the best MP we’ve ever had – as we head into a General Election.”

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Mrs Morgan said: “It is really humbling to have the support of such fantastic local councillors, and to welcome the first Lib Dem council group in Oswestry for nearly 15 years.

“The Liberal Democrats really are going from strength to strength across Shropshire.

“I know how hard Jay, Rosie and Jonathan work for their residents and their town, and it is fantastic to hear they feel they can get things done for local people as Liberal Democrats.”