'Clickbait' politics drive former Tory leader to defect

James Stanley, who served as a Worcester city councillor and Worcestershire County Councillor, voiced his frustration with the direction of politics and has opted to join the 'sensible middle ground'.

Mr Stanley said: "I have had enough of the extreme, clickbait style of politics that has come to dominate.

"People want common sense, fairness, and genuine solutions to local issues.

"The Liberal Democrats are the only party that reflects that sensible, central middle ground, and I am proud to be joining them."

Mr Stanley was most recently part of the Conservative administration at Worcestershire County Council.

In the 2025 election, he stood in the Warndon and Elbury Park Ward, coming third to Owen Cleary (Reform) and Jill Desayrah (Labour).

Liberal Democrat co-leaders, Cllrs Mel Allcott and Jessie Jagger, have welcomed Mr Stanley to the party's ranks.

Cllr Allcott said: "James's decision shows that moderation and constructive politics are the way forward.

"We are delighted to have him on board as we continue to listen to residents and stand up for Worcester."

Cll Jagger said: "Our city deserves calm, thoughtful leadership, not division or posturing.

"By working together in the centre ground, we can provide a strong voice for local people and deliver the change Worcester needs."

Mr Stanley is not the first prominent Worcester Conservative to leave the party this year.

In January, Alan Amos announced he would become an independent, later joining Reform ahead of the county council elections.

Marc Bayliss, chair of Worcester Conservatives, said: "James is a nice chap, and we are sorry to see him go.

"He has been with us twice now, and he was a Liberal Democrat initially, so he has changed parties before, but we have enjoyed working with him."

The Liberal Democrats are the third largest party in Worcester City Council, with 5 seats, and the fourth largest in Worcestershire County Council, with six seats.