Two Tories defect to Labour with devastating verdict on weak Rishi Sunak

22 January 2024 , 12:40

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Sandwell councillors David Wilkes (right) and Archer Williams condemned Rishi Sunak (Image: David Wilkes)

Two Tory councillors have quit the party and defected to Labour with a brutal takedown of Rishi Sunak’s failure to lead the country.

David Wilkes and Archer Williams, who sit on Sandwell Council, said the Conservatives were “unfit to govern”. The pair criticised local West Bromwich MPs Shaun Bailey and Nicola Richards who they accused of failing to stand up to the PM.

Mr Wilkes said: “I made this decision based on a simple question - could I tell my constituents to vote Conservative in the next general election? The answer was no.

“Rishi Sunak is a weak leader, out of ideas, unable to deliver on anything he's promised. Here in Sandwell, the Conservatives are either running away to safer seats or are selfishly squabbling to further their own careers. They are unfit to represent this brilliant part of the country.”

Ms Richards, who is currently the MP for West Bromwich East, is trying to find a seat in another area to stand in at the election. Mr Wilkes added: “Under Keir Starmer, Labour has completely changed into a serious political party that welcomes new ideas and has a positive vision for Sandwell and the whole of the UK.”

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Mr Williams said: “Since being elected in 2021 I have put all my energy into serving the people of my community but I can no longer do this with my hands tied behind my back. Over the past 14 years, Conservative government cuts have drastically reduced our ability to deliver for residents across Sandwell.

“I have pleaded with fellow Conservatives - including other councillors and our MPs - to stand up to Rishi Sunak and give our communities what they deserve. My words landed on deaf ears. Sadly, the Conservative Party does not serve the interest of my residents. For me, politics is simple - I am a local resident, I want to enjoy better services and safer communities and I want my local residents to be genuinely happy.”

Mr Wilkes and Mr Williams both represent the Princes End ward on Sandwell Council.

John Stevens