Dover Councillor joins the Liberal Democrats

Councillor Paul Dawkins, who represents Walmer on Dover District Council, has today resigned from the Conservative Party and joined the Liberal Democrats.

Commenting on the move, Councillor Paul Dawkins said: "I am looking forward to working with Liberal Democrat councillors to make a real difference to Walmer, and to the Dover District."

"We need to restore political balance to the Council to make it more responsive to local needs. The Lib Dems will give me the opportunity of working with a committed team, something that I that I have not had previously."

He believes that much more can be done by working together with Liberal Democrat Councillors, Clive Meredith and Peter Lodge. "I will be able to meet with officers at Dover District Council with a common aim," he said.

As a priority he will tackle green recycling issues as well as other local problems for the benefit of the district.

"Recycling needs far greater attention and a Lib Dem team approach will help. We need to scrutinise the budgets to establish how much finance will be allocated and where the allocation will be spent on recycling." says Paul.

Councillor Dawkins has been impressed by the commitment of the local Liberal Democrat councillors to effective, representative, local government. His decision to join the party means the Liberal Democrats will have an additional seat at Council, which "will tip the political balance in favour of democracy for the local electorate," he says.

Councillors Clive Meredith and Peter Lodge welcomed Paul's decision to join the party. "His decision means we can have a greater effect on ensuring that sensible decisions are made and that effective policies are adopted that benefit the local community, and not just local parties," said Councillor Meredith.

"I would urge more people who want to make a real difference to join the Liberal Democrats," he added.