Former Labour Councillor to stand for the Watford Liberal Democrats

Sohail Bashir, a Labour councillor in Watford from 2014 to 2021, will stand as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Vicarage ward in Watford’s local elections in May.

Mr Bashir said the decision to switch parties was due to the Liberal Democrat’s record running a ‘flagship’ council and supporting an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

The former Labour Councillor, Sohail Bashir, said:

“I left the Labour Party because of the misguided direction the party is being taken both locally and nationally.

“The Lib Dems do great work locally and run a flagship council. I want to work with Mayor Peter Taylor and the team to get the best for residents in Vicarage ward. The current councillors are neither active nor visible. They take West Watford residents for granted.

“I am appalled by Labour's continued refusal to back an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to stop the killing and suffering of innocent civilians. The Liberal Democrats called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza very early on in the conflict, back in November 2023. They have consistently voted for a ceasefire in Parliament.

“I want to make a postive impact in my community in West Watford, where I have lived for more than 40 years. I am looking forward to campaigning over the weeks ahead and making the case that I have the values, experience and ability to serve residents as their local councillor.”

Councillor Ian Stotesbury, Watford’s Lib Dem candidate for MP, welcomed the news. He said: “It's brilliant to be working with Sohail to deliver for Watford. Sohail served diligently for many years as a Labour councillor. He has joined the Liberal Democrats because of our hard work locally, our commitment to a positive vision for the town but also for national issues. From our relationship with the European Union to our role on the international stage, I’m pleased that Sohail and many others are recognising that the Liberal Democrats are the ones speaking for them.”

Lib Dem Mayor Peter Taylor, added: “Sohail Bashir was a first-rate councillor who was respected for working hard for residents. I know that he really cares about the local community and wants to help residents make West Watford a better place. Dedicated councillors can make a real difference and I am looking forward to working with Sohail.”