Warminster councillor in party switch (From Wiltshire Times)

Warminster councillor in party switch

8:00pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in Latest News

Warminster’s deputy mayor Paul Batchelor has announced he will be fighting the May local elections as an Independent candidate rather than as a Liberal Democrat.

Cllr Batchelor, who was elected to Warminster Town Council in 1995, believes the decision will allow him more freedom to act in the best interests of the town.

The former West Wilts District Councillor was the Swindon and Wiltshire Liberal Democrats’ candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner election last year, which was won by Angus Macpherson.

While still supporting many Lib Dem policies, Cllr Batchelor says the decision to run as an Independent is about what is best for the town.

Cllr Batchelor said: “This does not mean I have changed my values away from those of the Liberal Democrats, rather that I can better represent the people of Warminster without pressure to vote on party lines.”