Tory Dudley councillor quits party, claiming it has become 'extreme'

Councillor Shaun Keasey, who has represented Sedgley ward on Dudley Council since 2018, criticised the party's leadership both locally and nationally.

He revealed that none of the three councillors who represent the ward at the moment had been selected by the party for next year's local elections. None of the three candidates chosen to replace them lived in the ward, he added

He accused the party of taking the ward for granted because it was seen as a 'safe' seat.

His ward colleague Councillor Matt Dudley – who was only elected to the council in May this year – also made a withering attack on the local party following his de-selection in the seat.

Councillor Dudley himself was selected to fight the seat following the de-selection his predecessor, Tory councillor, Tina Westwood. He still remains a party member.

Councillor Keasey, a prominent campaigner on gay issues, said Home Secretary Suella Braverman's speech where she said being gay was not in itself grounds for asylum, was an example of how the party had changed.

He also attacked Councillor Patrick Harley's leadership of the Tory-run council.