Former UKIP group leader joins Conservatives
The former leader of Sunderland City Council’s UK Independence Party (UKIP) group has joined the Conservatives.
St Anne’s ward member Coun Pam Mann was one of three UKIP members who announced last week that they would sit as independents.
Coun Mann was elected alongside her Redhill and Ryhope
colleagues Coun Keith Jenkins and Coun Steven Bewick in 2019 as the party’s popularity on Wearside surged following the unveiling of Theresa May’s proposed Brexit deal.
The councillors formed an official UKIP group which was the third largest opposition group to Labour on the council behind the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
Earlierthismonth,allthree announced they had quit the party, leaving the authority with no UKIP councillors.
The move followed a slump in UKIP’s fortunes at the local electionsinMay,whentheparty failed to secure a single seat on Wearside – and the UKIP candidate in St Anne’s claimed just190votesastheToriestook the seat from Labour.
Announcing her decision to join the Conservatives, Coun Mann said she believed the collapse in the party’s supportmeantUKIPnolongerhad a mandate to represent people in Sunderland.
“When I was elected in 2019, UKIP was relevant as a party, and I now feel this is no longer the case,” she said.
"I have had many discussionswiththeresidentswhom I serve, who support my decision to join the Conservative group in opposition to this Labour-led council.”
“I will continue my work with the passion I hold for my neighbourhood, community, and the residents who need an advocate, a voice, or a helping hand."