A LIBERAL Democrat Councillor has left the Lib Dem Group and joined the Labour Group on Bradford Council.

It was announced that Councillor Julie Humphreys, who represents the Idle & Thackley ward, has defected from the Liberal Democrat group minutes before a meeting of the full Council this afternoon.

She has resigned from the Liberal Democrat party and joined the Labour Party.

Cllr Humphreys said: “I’m excited to join the Labour Group and contribute to its vision of creating a better Bradford district for everyone. The values of the Labour Party with its emphasis on social justice and equality are absolutely in tune with my own values and I am therefore delighted to have been accepted into the Labour Group.

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"They have extended a really warm welcome to me. I will work as hard as ever for all my constituents in Idle & Thackley, it is an honour to serve them.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Labour Group and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “Cllr Humphreys is a great addition to our team and we are pleased to welcome her into the Labour Group.

"She is a respected and committed campaigner on behalf of the communities in her ward and will have a great contribution to make to the Labour team in our work to improve the Bradford district.”