Two Pendle councillors have announced they are leaving the Liberal Democrats and joining the Conservative Group on Pendle Borough Council.
Councillors Bryony Hartley and David Hartley said the decision followed a period of reflection and recent events within the local Liberal Democrat Group.
The pair said they had considered where they would be best placed to represent their communities and deliver positive change for residents.
Cllr Ash Sutcliffe, leader of the Pendle Conservative Group, welcomed the move.
“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Bryony and David to the Conservative Group,” he said.
“I understand that this won’t have been an easy decision for them, and I respect the thought they have clearly put into it.
“Both councillors want to be part of a group that puts communities first, focusses on practical action and works hard to deliver results for residents.
“These are values we share, and I’m pleased they feel the Conservative Group is the right place for them to continue their work."
Cllr David Hartley said: “This has not been an easy decision, nor one we have taken lightly.
“We have both given our time, energy and commitment to the Liberal Democrats because we believe local politics should, above everything else, be about serving our communities and listening to the people who put their trust in us.”
Cllr Bryony Hartley added: “Recent events have caused us to seriously reflect on whether the direction being taken locally still represents the communities we serve.
“We have listened to residents and heard their frustrations and concerns.
“Those conversations have mattered enormously to us.
“Ultimately, our community comes first.
“This decision is about the future and about being able to continue representing local people effectively, while working alongside colleagues in the Conservative Group.
“The badge may change, but our commitment to our communities does not.”
Cllr David Hartley concluded: “We are looking forward to this next chapter and will continue to do what we believe elected representatives should do: turn up, listen, work hard and put the people we represent first.”
A representative from the Pendle Liberal Democrats has been approached for comment.
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