LIB DEMS WELCOME FORMER SNP COUNCILLOR TO THE PARTY

12.00.00am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed Glasgow City Councillor Alex Dingwall, a previous SNP councillor, to the party.

Councillor Dingwall decided to leave the SNP after 31 years as an SNP Member and join the Liberal Democrats.

Commenting, Councillor Dingwall said:

"I believe that Glasgow needs a change in how our city is run and a party that sets out a clear, credible alternative to the current Labour Administration. Regrettably over the last year it has become clear to me that the Glasgow SNP Council Group lacks both the leadership and the authority to set out an alternative vision for our city.

"After 31 years of membership with the SNP the decision to leave has not been an easy one but the move away from a local to a centrally set income tax and the recent threats to take away control of schools and care for the elderly from local authorities show the SNP simply doesn't trust its councillors, preferring instead to govern local communities by ministerial decree.

"That's why I am pleased to be joining the Liberal Democrats. I share their commitment to local government and to the core principle of keeping local decisions local.

"I will continue to work constructively for my constituents and for the people of Glasgow, but now in a way which is entirely in keeping with my personal and political beliefs."

Liberal Democrat MSP for Glasgow Robert Brown added:

"I'm delighted that Councillor Dingwall has decided to join the Liberal Democrats.

"As a talented and able politician, he will be a real asset to the Liberal Democrat group.

"I've no doubt that he'll work in close harmony with his Liberal Democrat colleagues and with Liberal Democrat principles for the greater good of Glasgow."

Liberal Democrat candidate for Glasgow North, Katy Gordon added:

"I've known Councillor Dingwall for many years and I'm really pleased to welcome him to the party.

"This is a real boost to the Liberal Democrat campaign in Glasgow North. People are fed up with Labour and Councillor Dingwall's decision demonstrates once again that the real alternative is the Liberal Democrats."

Ends.