Northampton Labour councillor defects to join Liberal Democrats

The West Northants unitary councillor has criticised Labour's national leadership in her statement

Nadia Lincoln Local Democracy Reporter | Sunday 16th November 2025 1:58pm

A Northampton Labour councillor has defected to the Liberal Democrats after becoming “increasingly concerned” with the party's national leadership.

West Northamptonshire Cllr Farzana Aldridge said she left Labour after feeling the party was moving away from “community-focused and forward-looking politics”, adding that she is committed to serving the residents of her Kingsley and Semilong ward.

Her defection means the Lib Dem group now hold seven seats on West Northants Council (WNC), just one behind the Labour group, which now has eight elected members. Reform UK is still in charge of the council with 41 seats.

Cllr Aldridge said: “After much reflection, I have made the decision to leave the Labour Party and join the Liberal Democrats. This has not been an easy decision, but it is one that reflects my values, principles and my strong and ongoing commitment to serving my community, and the residents of Kingsley and Semilong and West Northamptonshire.

“Over the recent past, I have become increasingly concerned with some of the decisions that the Labour Party have been making at a national level. It seems to be moving away from the principled, community-focused and forward-looking politics that first inspired me to get involved.

“Nationally and locally, the party has become increasingly driven by expedient financial and politically driven solutions, rather than the real and practical needs of residents.”

Cllr Aldridge was first elected to the unitary authority in the May local elections earlier this year. She represents her ward alongside Reform UK Cllr Nicholas Humphries.

‘I want to be part of a movement that puts people before party politics’

The newly-minted Lib Dem councillor added: “The Liberal Democrats share my belief of fairness, equality, human rights and compassion. They place real emphasis on listening to people and empowering communities to shape policies and direction that best meets their needs. Liberal Democrats’ long standing commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice reflect the values I have always upheld.

“I am also proud to stand with a party that consistently seeks to build a tolerant, inclusive and outward looking Britain, whilst ensuring the best possible outcomes for British citizens. At a time when politics feels increasingly polarised, the Liberal Democrats’ positive and collaborative approach offers me a constructive way forward.

“At a local level, I am joining a group with a mature approach to leadership where the talents, experience and expertise are respected, valued and put to good use to benefit residents of West Northamptonshire.

“Ultimately, I am joining the Liberal Democrats because I want to be part of a movement that puts people before party politics, focuses on practical solutions and works across divides wherever possible, to improve lives. My strong commitment to serving residents remains unchanged – but I now believe I can do that more effectively as a member of the Liberal Democrats.”

At the time of publication, WNC’s website lists Cllr Aldridge as a Labour group councillor, however her defection has been confirmed by the local Liberal Democrat group.

‘A very capable and hard-working councillor who cares deeply about her community’

Leader of the West Northants Lib Dem group, Cllr Jonathan Harris (Brixworth), has welcomed Cllr Aldridge to the party and said he looks forward to working with her and the rest of the team.

“Farzana is a very capable and hard-working councillor who cares deeply about her community,” he said.

“Her skills, experience and enthusiasm, along with her strong commitment to represent residents in her ward, will make her a great addition to our team. It is clear that Farzana shares our core values of liberty, equality, human rights, internationalism, environmentalism, democracy and community.”

West Northamptonshire Liberal Democrat Party Chair, Chris Leggett, added: “We are delighted that Farzana has joined the Liberal Democrats and look forward to supporting in her roles as both a Northampton Town Councillor and West Northamptonshire Unitary Councillor.”

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