Bristol Labour Councillor defects to the Lib Dems

Bristol Liberal Democrats have today announced that Councillor for Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston, Zoë Peat, has resigned from the Labour Party and joined the Liberal Democrats in City Hall. 

Cllr Peat attributed the move to the Liberal Democrats as a result of the party’s ‘desire to build bridges across political divides’, citing the cross-party arrangements in Bristol and around the West of England. The party currently chairs two of the eight key policy committees in the council, and has safeguarded the future of the city’s libraries, secured more money for fixing potholes, and ensured additional capacity for street cleaning.

A second defection from the Labour group, the move has been described as a condemnation of Bristol Labour’s failure to stand up for its residents in Bristol as it continues not to fully partake in the committee system that sees its elected members work cross-party for the benefit of the city. Instead of taking up leading roles in the Council, Labour continues to let its residents down by ‘playing games’ and looking to score political points.

Cllr Peat will work with her new Liberal Democrat colleagues to deliver for Bristol, pushing for more affordable housing and cleaner streets, while serving the residents of Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston.

Cllr Jos Clark (Brislington West), Leader of Bristol Liberal Democrat Council Group, said:

“We warmly welcome Cllr Peat to the Liberal Democrats. Her energy and enthusiasm for delivering meaningful change for her residents will make her a good fit among our team of hard-working, dedicated local councillors. 

“I know this is not a decision that Zoë has taken lightly. This just goes to show that Bristol Labour’s unconstructive and oppositional approach in City Hall is failing their residents, and their strategy is wearing thin for their own councillors. Labour need to put aside party politics, stop playing games, and engage properly with the other political groups to deliver the changes that Bristolians are crying out for.

“With the rise of populism polarising our politics, it is the Liberal Democrats who are the antidote to these political extremes. People want, and rightly deserve, the people who represent them to work together to deliver change. As costs continue to rise and more stress is put on public services, we will be working together collaboratively and pragmatically to improve the lives of Bristolians.”

Cllr Zoë Peat (Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston) published the following statement:

“I am extremely thankful to the Labour Party, of which I have been a dedicated campaigner, activist and supporter for over ten years. I am deeply grateful to have been given the opportunity to stand during Bristol’s 2024 local elections, where I have proudly served half of my term as Councillor for Lawrence Weston & Avonmouth.

“However, after a great deal of thought and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the Labour Party for personal and political reasons.

“There have been decisions made by the national party that I have disagreed with, including the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment, the initial whipping against abolishing the two-child benefit cap, and aspects of the government’s proposed welfare reforms. However, I also recognise that no political party or leadership will ever perfectly align with one person’s views, and I remain proud of many achievements delivered by the current Labour government, including the expansion of free school meals, increased funded childcare provision, the Workers’ Rights Act, and the Renters’ Rights Act. I sincerely hope to see this government continue improving the lives of working people across the country.

“Ultimately, my decision comes down to the kind of politics I want to practise. At a time when the cost of living crisis and wider political instability are driving division across our country, I have found hope in the Liberal Democrats’ willingness to work collaboratively, pragmatically and constructively with others in pursuit of positive change.

“The Liberal Democrats have consistently demonstrated a desire to build bridges across political divides, whether through coalition administrations in places such as Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire, or through cross-party working arrangements here in Bristol. While my own politics remain centre-left, I strongly believe that people with differing political traditions can still come together to deliver meaningful outcomes for residents.

“I believe politics works best when it is rooted in cooperation, community and practical solutions rather than tribalism. The Liberal Democrats’ emphasis on localism, community politics and constructive cross-party working reflects the approach I want to bring to public service moving forward.

“My work as a councillor will continue with a renewed focus on bringing forward good ideas regardless of where they come from politically, and above all else, putting Bristol and its residents before party interests.

“Leaving the Labour Party has not been an easy decision, and it is one I have made carefully and independently after considerable reflection. I do not want my departure to be used to inflame internal political divisions locally or nationally. My priority remains serving residents during what continues to be an incredibly difficult period for many households.

“With continued pressures on food prices, energy bills and household finances driven by ongoing global instability and conflict, I believe the focus of politics must now be on stability, cooperation and ensuring that government at every level is able to respond effectively to the challenges facing ordinary people.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Lawrence Weston & Avonmouth as a Liberal Democrat councillor, and to working with colleagues across the political spectrum to deliver the best possible future for Bristol.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Cllr Peat’s admission to the group brings the number of Liberal Democrat Councillors on Bristol City Council up to nine out of seventy.
• Cllr Peat was elected as a Labour candidate for the Bristol City Council ward of Avonmouth & Lawrence Weston in 2024.
• Having studied at the University of the West of England, Cllr Peat has previously worked as a legal advisor in various roles, and most recently has worked in digital communications.
• Cllr Peat is the second Labour Councillor to leave the group since their election 2024. The Labour group now stands at nineteen out of seventy councillors.
• Bristol City Council uses the Committee System form of governance, where every party has a vote on the decisions made, as opposed to a cabinet model which sees power concentrated in the administration parties.
• As the second largest group on the council, Labour were entitled to take up two of the eight leading roles – known as Policy Committee Chairs – upon the city-wide election in May 2024. However, they opted out of taking up their available positions. Instead, the Green Party chairs six of the eight Policy Committees, with the Liberal Democrats chairing the remaining two.
• Subsequently, Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston will continue to be represented by Liberal Democrat Cllr Zoë and two Labour Councillors.