Swale Independent Councillor Joins Labour

Councillor Ann Cavanagh, who was elected to Swale Borough Council in May this year, as a Swale Independent representing Borden and Grove Park ward, has joined the Labour Group and will sit with Labour when the Council convenes its next Full Council meeting next week.

The balance of the Council will thus change to; Labour-16 seats; Swale Independents 12; Conservatives 11; Liberal Democrats 5 and Green Party 3. It will make no difference to the balance between the Coalition administration and the opposition, as Cllr Cavanagh is exchanging one coalition group for another.

Cllr Cavanagh told SFM News "Since being elected to Swale Borough Council in May, I have found the Labour Councillors very friendly and supportive. I have known Tim Gibson. Leader of the Council and the Labour group, for about 5 years. He clearly has the respect of the whole Council. Since the elections of 2019 and the creation of the Rainbow Coalition, which I found very exciting and positive for Swale, I have followed its progress with interest. So, when asked by the Swale Independents, part of the coalition, to stand, I thought it would be a privilege to be part of the coalition. However, having seen how Tim leads his group, and how welcoming his group has been to me as a new councillor, I believe I will flourish in this group. So, for me I feel that Labour will be a better fit and am excited at the thought of getting involved with Labour both locally and in the forthcoming general election.”

Tim Gibson, the Leader of Swale Borough Council and the labour group told SFM News: “Ann is most welcome into the Labour group and of course into the Labour Party. She has developed very good working relationships with my members. With a general election looming and people focussing on liberating us from the current chaotic government, it is good to know that we have added another strong local voice to our team”.

The Full Council Meeting is at 7:00pm on Wednesday 11th October in the Council Chambers on the 3rd Floor of Swale House in East Street, Sittingbourne.