Tori defects after Boris appointment

Former Conservative councillor Mark McGeever has defected to the Liberal Democrats after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister.

The former media manager for the South Lanarkshire Tory group was first elected in May 2017 and stood as the Conservative candidate for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow in the 2017 general election.

He is now the Hamilton West and Earnock councillor but has defected, saying the party is no longer the one he joined, highlighting the new Prime Minister’s use of“racist”and “Islamophobic”language.

Explaining his decision, Councillor McGeever said:“When I joined the Conservatives under David Cameron, the party had made clear its intent to govern from the centre of British politics.

“It is a matter of deep regret that over recent years this broad outlook has given way to a much narrower and more ideological focus as the party has focused on appeasing the insatiable demands of the party’s rightmost fringe.

“The elevation of Mr Johnson to the Conservative leadership was an open declaration the party now has little regard for centrist views. His use of racist, Islamophobic, misogynistic and homophobic language is deeply concerning.

“I have not changed my principles since being elected to South Lanarkshire Council and standing in the last general election, but the party for which I stood has significantly changed its nature.

“For these reasons I am glad to have joined the Liberal Democrats. As a member of that progressive party I will continue to represent my constituents to the very best of my ability, working to protect public services, and to deliver responsive and responsible local government for everyone in South Lanarkshire.”

The Lib Dem group in South Lanarkshire doubled in size overnight as Councillor McGeever joined Rutherglen South councillor Robert Brown as the local authority’s only Lib Dems.

Councillor Brown said:“I am delighted to welcome Mark to the Liberal Democrats – he will be a huge asset for us.

“He is extremely able and impressive and finds a natural home in the Liberal Democrats.

“I am sure his decision echoes the feelings on lots of other moderate, reasonable people in both the Conservative and Labour parties who are put off by the extremes of Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn.”