Cllr Tony Bunday – who was Bitterne Park’s “first-ever” Labour councillor in 2022 – was expelled from the party after liking two social media posts featuring former Labour Party stalwart, Cal Corkery, who became an Independent councillor in Portsmouth after he himself was expelled from the party.
Having stood as an Independent since his expulsion, the councillor informed followers via Facebook on Sunday that he joined the Liberal Democrats.
He said he agreed with “every part” of the party’s 2024 election manifesto.
The former Labour councillor also criticised his previous party for “their appalling treatment of me.”
In a statement, Cllr Bunday said: “I would just like to let people know that I have joined the Liberal Democrats.
“It has been a few months since I felt that I could continue to support or defend the Labour Party at a national or a local level and this goes way beyond their appalling treatment of me as an individual.
“I realised some time ago, that although the Labour Party includes many genuine, hardworking, and thoroughly nice people, this is far from universal.
“However, I realised that I was yet to come across a Liberal that I did not like.
“When I finally, recently, read the whole of the LD 2024 election manifesto I realised that I agreed with every part of it.
“The next step was therefore easy, and during the last week I have become a signed-up member.”
READ MORE: Bitterne councillor Tony Bunday expelled from Labour Party
He added: “I am unsure how deeply I will get involved at this stage, but you never know.
“Watch this space.”
Fellow Liberal Democrat, Cllr David Harrison, who represents Totton South described it as “wonderful” news.
He said: “Thank you, Tony, welcome to the fold.
“I am absolutely sure your experience as a councillor, police and crime commissioner candidate, campaigner, environmentalist and business and working life experience means you have a great deal to offer.
“You are also a great friend.”
