Former Dudley leader returns to Tory group
A former council leader in Dudley is returning to frontline politics with his wife following the rising tide of UKIP.
Councillor Les Jones, who stood down as leader of the Conservative group in Dudley in February, says he wants to offer 'proper opposition' to Labour.
He quit the party citing 'personal reasons' alongside his wife of 10 years Councillor Karen Shakespeare.
The move came amid the backdrop of tensions over his leadership and the party losing control of the council to Labour in May 2012.
But now the pair, who had been sitting as independents on the council, today confirmed they were rejoining the Dudley Conservative Group.
Councillor Jones, who led the council for a year, says a strong opposition was needed to the Labour administration.
"Some of the issues were personal rather than political at that time," he said.
"I take the view that the UKIP vote is more to do with the national picture than Dudley and now more than ever it is time to offer the public a proper opposition on the council and strengthen the Conservative approach."
Councillor Jones, who represents Pedmore and Stourbridge East, has ruled out seeking a shadow cabinet position at this stage saying he believes his role initially is more about guidance.
The Conservatives won two seats, but lost a total of six on the night, many going the way of UKIP.
