Fareham councillor Rob Turner quits Liberal Democrats after just two months and will become an independent
A Fareham councillor who was elected in May has said he will leave the Lib Dems and become an independent - here’s why
A councillor elected just two months ago has quit his party group and will now sit as an independent on Fareham Borough Council.
Cllr Robert Turner, who won the Portchester Wicor seat for the Liberal Democrats in May, has stepped down from the party’s group, citing health reasons.
In a joint statement with Fareham Liberal Democrats, Cllr Turner said he had “reflected carefully” on the demands of group membership and decided it had become “too demanding” alongside managing his health.
He said: “I have therefore mutually agreed with the group that it is the right time for me to step away and continue as an Independent councillor. This decision is not about stepping back from serving residents. I remain fully committed to representing the people of Portchester Wicor.”
Cllr Turner added he would continue attending council meetings and dealing with casework, but he wanted to focus his time and energy on supporting residents rather than wider group responsibilities.
He said: “I am proud to have been elected in May and remain grateful to everyone who supported my campaign. I leave the Liberal Democrat Group with no ill will.”
Fareham Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr David Hamilton said the party was “naturally disappointed” to lose him so soon after his election victory.
He said: “Rob has been open and honest with us about the impact that the additional commitments of group membership have had on his health, and we respect his decision. This has been a mutual decision reached after a number of discussions.
“We are pleased that Rob will continue to represent the people of Portchester Wicor and we will continue to work constructively with him on local issues wherever we can. We thank Rob for his contribution to the Liberal Democrat team and wish him every success in continuing to serve his community.”
Cllr Turner will continue to represent Portchester Wicor as an independent until the end of the current council term in May 2028.
Fareham Borough Council will be abolished that year and will join Gosport, Portsmouth, and Havant to form the South East Hampshire Council.