Cllr Tommy Rossiter, Tower Hill ward, and Cllr Brian Williams, Northwood ward, who have been sitting as Kirkby Labour Alliance representatives since resigning from the Labour Party, have made the switch to the Lib Dems at a time when the Party is riding high in the polls nationally.

Cllr Ian Smith, Leader of the Lib Dems on Knowsley Council, said:” We are delighted to welcome Tommy and Brian into our ranks and are confident others will soon be joining them on the Council as support for the Lib Dems continues to grow across the Borough.

“This is yet more evidence that more and more people are fed up with Labour’s broken promises at every level, that the Tories are a spent force incapable of being led by anyone and that the Liberal Democrats are the only viable alternative, that offer practical, principled and constructive policies to local and national issues.”

Peter Fisher, also a former Senior Labour councillor in Knowsley, and Mike Scully have also joined the Party this week and are intending to stand as Lib Dem candidates in this May’s local elections.  Peter Fisher said: “New Labour no longer relates to ordinary voters.”

Cllr Tommy Rossiter added: “Both Brian and myself feel at home with Ian and his team who are doing a great job here in Knowsley, reflecting the Lib Dems commitment to genuine representation on behalf of the communities they serve.  The Lib Dems put local residents concerns ahead of party politics, which is why we felt comfortable joining a party who truly care about making a difference to the quality of life for local people.”

Buoyed by the additions to their numbers, the Lib Dems believe they can mirror the success of their colleagues in neighbouring Liverpool and take control of Knowsley within five years.

“We are facing all out elections and new boundaries next year and the mood locally is very optimistic for our continued growth,” added Cllr Ian Smith.  “The people of Knowsley have an opportunity to put the Lib Dems in control of this authority, the onus is on us to earn their trust and demonstrate we can deliver the level of services they want and deserve.”