AN East Renfrewshire councillor who was elected as an independent has now pledged his allegiance to the Liberal Democrats.
Councillor David Macdonald, representative for Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood, officially announced his decision to join Vince Cable’s party last Wednesday.
He had previously joined Change UK in the build-up to the European elections, but quit to join the LibDems just eight days before the vote.
“I have joined the Liberal Democrats and have now changed from sitting as an independent to sitting as a Liberal Democrat councillor within East Renfrewshire Council,” Mr Macdonald said.
“The Liberal Democrats are a party that have a proud history of supporting liberalism and social democracy, championing civil liberties, supporting LGBTQI rights, calling for constitutional reform, promoting proportional representation and supporting internationalism.
“They are the political party that best match my own beliefs and values and I believe now is the perfect time to become a member and to do all I can to support the party’s success at all levels now and in the future both here in East Renfrewshire and throughout the country.”
Read More: Women in East Renfrewshire encouraged to consider career in politics.
Councillor Macdonald had been Change UK’s leading Scottish candidate for the EU election until he urged voters to back the LibDems to stop the Brexit Party.
One of Change UK’s founders, Chuka Umunna – who has since also joined the LibDems – said at the time: “It is obviously disappointing that this candidate has chosen to pledge allegiance to another party – he has let down his fellow candidates and activists.”
Change UK was formed as a pro-EU party, a position also taken by the LibDems.
Read More: Shock as Change UK councillor quits party days before EU elections.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “I’m delighted to welcome David Macdonald to the party. He is a thoughtful and committed councillor and I know he will campaign tirelessly to promote liberal values.
“The Liberal Democrats are now the natural home for Remainers. We are determined to stop Brexit so that we can get on with tackling the issues that really matter and investing in education and mental health.
“If anyone, like David, shares this common mission then I encourage you to join us.”
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