Former Labour Councillor Joins Brent Lib Dems

5.00.00pm GMT Wed 15th Aug 2007

Many former Labour supporters are switching to Sarah Teather's Liberal Democrats

Mohammad Zakriya Azam, ex-Labour Councillor for Brent's Harlesden ward, has joined the Liberal Democrats.

After years of Labour taking Brent residents' for granted, the borough is now a two horse race between Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Mr Zakriya's decision follows the Liberal Democrats tripling their majority in Dudden Hill, and comes just before a by-election in Stonebridge ward where local people look set to give Brent Labour another bloody nose.

Mr Zakriya served two terms as a Labour Councillor. He is angry that Gordon Brown has not changed Tony Blair's unpopular policies in Iraq, and has been impressed with the work the Liberal Democrats have been doing in Brent Council.

Former Labour Councillor Mohammad Zakriya Azam said:

"Lots of former Labour supporters are disappointed that Gordon Brown is the same as Tony Blair. Iraq has just been business as usual. The Labour party are desperate to please George Bush, when they should be standing up for the British people."

"It pains me to say this but Labour have let down local people. Their claims for equal opportunity ring hollow when set against a local policy of parachuting councillors into safe wards, when they have done a bad job elsewhere in the borough."

"The Liberal Democrats haven't had long to turn around Brent Council, but they have made a real difference. They care about the same things as ordinary people, like cleaner streets; decent housing and getting more police on the beat.

"I want to be in a party that sticks to their principles. I admire the way the Liberal Democrats fight for every single one of Brent's diverse communities; for fairness; equal opportunities and basic human rights.

"The Labour party today is no different to the Labour party under Tony Blair. Labour have let down Britain, and they have let down Brent."

Sarah Teather, MP for Brent East said:

"We are all delighted to welcome Mohammad to the party. He has an impressive record of serving his community and will really help our work to make Brent a better place to live."

"People who want to take a stand against the disastrous policies of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are finding a natural home in the Liberal Democrats."