Eastbourne Conservatives have called on Councillor Brett Wright to resign his seat and trigger a by-election following his defection from the Liberal Democrats to the Green Party.
Cllr Wright was elected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Meads division in a by-election in August 2023, following the death of Conservative County Councillor Barry Taylor. Little over 2 years later, residents who placed their faith in him have been left without the representation they voted for.
Cllr Robert Smart, Leader of the Conservative Opposition, said "The honourable course of action is clear. Councillor Wright should resign and fight a by-election under his new colours.
"This is the third resignation from the Eastbourne Liberal Democrats in less than a year, revealing a party more preoccupied with political infighting than the priorities of Eastbourne residents. At a time when the Council faces severe financial pressure, residents deserve better than yet another Lib Dem representative walking away from the promises they were elected on.
"It's worth noting that the Green Party polled just 3.9% at the last election in Meads. Cllr Wright has joined a party that campaigns for drug decriminalisation, abolishing NATO and open-door migration. Last year, when the Home Office announced plans to place hundreds of single male asylum seekers at the Esperance in the heart of Meads, it was left to Conservative councillors to oppose this. Now we know why. Cllr Wright has joined a party that actively supports these policies."
