A Shocking Shift: City Councillor Defects from Labour to Greens Amid Controversy

In a surprising political move, Alistair Chisholm, a councillor representing Newcastle’s Ouseburn ward since 2018, has left the Labour Party to join the Green Party. Chisholm expressed his growing discomfort with Labour’s current direction, criticizing the party’s response to key issues such as the war in Gaza, welfare cuts, and the Home Secretary’s reforms on asylum. His defection marks a significant change in the political landscape of Newcastle City Council, which has been under Labour control since 2011, although it now operates as a minority administration with only 36 out of 78 seats.

Chisholm stated that residents have voiced feelings of being let down by Labour, highlighting concerns over disability benefits, the winter fuel allowance cuts, and the lack of moral leadership regarding Gaza, which have left many in distress. Additionally, he pointed out the worsening housing crisis in the city, where young people struggle to find homes, and many residents live in damp or overcrowded conditions.

Labour’s reaction to Chisholm’s departure was one of regret, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to serve the residents of Newcastle and fulfill their ambitious agenda. This defection follows a trend of discontent within Labour, as it comes nearly a year after former council leader Nick Kemp and several other councillors left to form their own independent group. The Greens have been gaining momentum, having recently increased their council seats from two to four, with Chisholm now hoping to run for the party in the upcoming May city council elections when all council seats will be contested.

The shifting political dynamics in Newcastle underscore the challenges facing the Labour Party and the rise of alternative voices such as the Green Party, appealing to an electorate increasingly seeking change.