Defections are panto farce claims Labour

The leader of the Labour group at Cannock Chase Council has labelled defections between the ruling Conservatives and Liberal Democrats as "a farce which makes a mockery of the political system".

Councillor Doug Thomas said he was flabbergasted by the political chaos at the council after three Conservatives joined the Liberal Democrats this week, with another heading in the opposite direction. Yesterday, it was revealed that Councillor Phil Freeman had quit his role as leader of the Tory group.

He resigned saying he was fed up of the political in-fighting within the Conservative group.

His announcement followed Hawks Green ward's Councillor Keith Bennett defecting to the Liberal Democrats. He was joined by his wife, Councillor Diane Bennett, who represents Cannock West, and Can-nock South's Councillor Mark Green.

Meanwhile Councillor Lisa Pearce, who was was elected at Hednesford Green Heath as a Tory, has now returned to the party after a spell as a Liberal Democrat. Councillor Thomas said: "As a Labour group, we are just sitting back and having a good laugh. "I thought the pantomime season was drawing to a close, but this is real theatre.

"We have been very surprised at what we have been seeing over the last week – it is a real farce.

"The councillors who have defected should resign as the electorate voted for them due the political party they were standing for. It is making a mockery of the system with councillors playing musical chairs.

"However, the electorate will decide for themselves at the next local elections."

Councillor Thomas, who represents Cannock East, added: "We are waiting with bated breath as to who will be making the next move. It is laughable."

Cannock Chase Council council is controlled by a coalition of Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors.