Three Swindon Labour Councillors Defect to Green Party, Form New Opposition Group

Three Swindon Borough councillors—Ian Edwards, Tom Butcher, and Repi Begum—have defected from the Labour Party to form the first-ever Green Party group on the council, representing a significant political shift in the area. These defections have made the Green Party the third largest group on the council, while Labour maintains a majority but has lost five councillors recently. The defectors expressed that their core values of social justice and equality align more closely with the Green Party under new leader Zack Polanski, who has driven a surge in membership and support nationally. Polanski described Swindon as a political bellwether, noting that the defections reflect a broader trend of disillusionment with Labour's abandonment of its principles. Labour representatives criticized the defections, stating that the councillors were elected to represent Labour constituents and suggesting they should seek re-election if they changed their party affiliation. Overall, the move signals growing momentum for the Green Party as it offers an alternative vision focused on social justice, environmental issues, and bold political solutions.