Three Conservative councillors resign membership

Three Conservative councillors have resigned from the party.

A joint statement from councillors Michael Gough, Samantha Gethen and Alison Rolf, who sit on Solihull Council, said they would continue to serve as independents.

In a resignation letter posted to Facebook, Gough said the party had "changed" and no longer reflected his values and beliefs.

Gethen also shared her resignation letter online, stating she had "no confidence" in its local leadership. The BBC has approached the Conservative Party for comment.

A statement from Rolf, Gough and Gethen said: "As elected representatives of the people of Solihull, we have always acted with the best interests of our community at heart.

"We can no longer, in good conscience, continue as part of the Conservative group on Solihull Council.

"We will continue to serve as independent councillors, standing up for the values of the people of Solihull, to protect what matters, challenge what doesn't and help shape a town that works for everyone."

In his letter addressed to Councillor Karen Grinsell, Gough referenced difficulties in his personal life that had affected his political work over the past 18 months.

He wrote: "I have wrestled with my conscience and personally struggled being a Conservative Party member in recent times.

"I have probably hung on longer than I should have, due to my loyalty for the local group and the friends I have made."

He also went on to say he had witnessed treatment of other members of the party that did not "sit well" with him and that he no longer felt his contributions were valued.

Gethen's letter said she made the decision "after much thought and reflection" and feels she can no longer serve the community with the "integrity it deserves" while remaining a Conservative member.

She added: "My values have not changed, my commitment to local residents remain as strong as ever."

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