'We move on, it is history: 'Peterborough Labour leader reacts as councillor quits party to join Conservatives
The leader of the Labour Party in Peterborough has said she is ‘disappointed’ that a councillor has quit the party to join the Conservatives.
North Ward councillor Asim Mahmood announced he was joining the Conservatives on Friday (July 24.)
He issued a lengthy statement, giving his reasons for his decision.
Now cllr Shabina Qayyum – leader of the council and the Labour Party in Peterborough – has spoken of her disappointment in cllr Mahmood’s decision.
She said: “I am disappointed that Cllr. Mahmood has chosen to resign from Peterborough Labour Group. I am incredibly proud of how our Group has worked together forming a cross Party Coalition to deliver for our city.
“As Leader, my focus continues to be on delivering breathing space for Peterborough including a YouthZone for the city, resolving long standing issues like Bretton Court, implementing Governance and Accountability that has led to numerous investigations, holding previous decision makers to account with inquiries still ongoing.
“We have concluded so many legacy issues and with the advent of a new Prime Minister in Andy Burnham, we align with his positivity and compassionate politics that people deserve.
“Trust, integrity and honesty matter in politics. I can safely say I have a Labour Group that is representative of those values, are true to their core, would never undermine public trust or their colleagues and therefore as any Leader who values integrity and trust, Cllr Mahmood has defected in a completely individual capacity of his own volition.
“We give this decision the negligible relevance it deserves.
“We move on, It is history.”