Independent joins Conservatives after backing Boris and local Cheshire West and Chester team

An independent councillor on Cheshire West and Chester has ‘crossed the floor’ to join the Conservatives after seeing their work with the community.

Cllr. Phil Herbert was accepted into the group at a virtual meeting and will now be working alongside Hartford and Greenbank Cllr. Patricia Parkes.

Cllr. Margaret Parker, Leader of the Conservative Group, has welcomed Cllr. Herbert onboard “We have been in dialogue with Phil over the a number of months and he has regularly supported our Group in the Chamber. I am pleased that we will now be working together and I am sure his knowledge and experience will prove to be an asset to the Group”

Phil was elected as an independent last May but asked if he could join the Conservatives after being impressed by the work of the party nationally under the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and the team locally on Cheshire West and Chester.

He said: “I see on a day to day basis how effective Patricia Parkes is as a community councillor within Hartford and Greenbank ward. She cares passionately about this area, as do I, and I know that by working even more closely together, we can achieve even more for our residents.

“On a national level I think Boris Johnson is doing a great job as Prime Minister, especially during these difficult times and only the Conservatives will be able to deliver the best Brexit deal for the country.

Welcoming her fellow councillor for Hartford and Greenbank, Patricia said: “I’m honoured to represent Hartford and Greenbank residents, and work hard to ensure that this area is an even better place in which to live, work and raise a family.

“I am really pleased that Phil will be joining the local Conservative team here. Even in the midst of this crisis, there’s all sorts of ongoing and new issues to work on. If residents have any issues or concerns I want to let them know that we are there to help them and don’t hesitate to get in touch.”