FORMER LAMBETH LABOUR MAYOR BACKS LIB DEMS

6.07.00pm GMT Tue 11th Mar 2008

Former Labour Mayor Claudette Hewitt has joined the Lib Dems and is backing Steve Bradley in the Vassall by-election

Former Labour Councillor and recently a popular Mayor of Lambeth, Claudette Hewitt has left the Labour Party and joined the Liberal Democrats. She is backing candidate Steve Bradley for the Vassall by-election.

Claudette Hewitt, pictured with Steve Bradley outside Lambeth Town Hall, said "Labour have broken too many promises and taken local people for granted. Just look at the state of the housing in the area - it's terrible - and then they put up the rent so much."

"I've met Steve and I know all about his work for local people in Vassall. He is just the councillor needed in Vassall right now," she added.

Discussing her reasons for leaving the Labour Party, Claudette commented, "I've been unhappy with the local Labour party for some time. I feel they take people - especially black people - for granted. Their promises to get everyone involved just don't materialise - keeping the top jobs for themselves. Once they've got people signed up to Labour they just use them to look like they're diverse.

"They think black people will always vote Labour so they don't listen to our issues. Black people must see that they have a choice over who to vote for. I've made that choice and joined the Lib Dems and I urge people to vote Lib Dem too."

Welcoming Claudette to the campaign trail, Lib Dem Candidate for Vassall Steve Bradley added, "I am delighted to welcome Claudette to the Lib Dems - just at a time when the party is on the up and we are challenging hard in the by-election."

Liberal Democrat Group Leader on Lambeth Council, Cllr Ashley Lumsden added, "Claudette has already demonstrated her hard work and commitment to the Borough of Lambeth when she was a councillor and Mayor. We value her experience and skills working with local people across the borough. Her determination to meet people and listen to them will be a real asset to the local Lib Dem team in the run up to polling day."