Councillor switches parties, blaming government's plans for Portsmouth's future council

Plans to merge Portsmouth with Fareham, Gosport and Havant councils have prompted a Labour councillor to defect to the Liberal Democrats.

A Portsmouth city councillor has left the Labour Party to join the Liberal Democrats, citing concerns over the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation (LGR).

Cllr Rajah Ghosh, who represents Charles Dickens ward on Portsmouth City Council, announced the move today, saying he could no longer remain in Labour due to LGR.

LGR would merge Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport and Havant into a single unitary council. Supporters say it would streamline services, while critics argue it is poorly thought out and could leave the area with inherited deficits.

Explaining his decision, Cllr Ghosh said: “I was elected to serve the residents of Portsmouth, and as, first and foremost, a born and bred Portsmouth resident myself, I can no longer in good conscience sit by as a member of the party that is forcing Portsmouth into a situation likely to leave the city worse off.

“This was not something that I was expecting as I saw no mention of it in the 2024 general election manifesto and I have repeatedly voted against Labour colleagues in opposition to the plans but I now feel that being an opposing voice within the party has not been effective.

“After reflecting carefully on how best to oppose the currently scheduled Local Government Reorganisation plans, I have decided to join the Portsmouth Liberal Democrats as it is the party who are leading on the opposition and particularly, the judicial review of the plans. I have also been aware of my many shared values with the party for some time so feel that it will be a good fit.”

He added: “I want to thank colleagues and residents who I have worked with to date. My focus will continue to be on local issues and making sure Portsmouth residents are listened to.

“Party labels matter less than getting results for the people we represent and I feel that there is still a chance that we can stop Portsmouth being forced to merge with other areas of Hampshire and keep Portsmouth City Council as it currently is.”

Council leader and leader of the Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Steve Pitt, welcomed the announcement.

He said: “I am delighted to welcome Cllr Ghosh to the Liberal Democrats and to the Lib Dem Group on Portsmouth City Council. His passionate opposition to Local Government Reorganisation and his belief in always putting Portsmouth people first closely aligns with Portsmouth Lib Dem priorities and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Cllr Charlotte Gerada, leader of the Labour group said: “I am disappointed to have learned of Cllr Ghosh’s defection to the Lib Dems this morning. I wish him well in his new political Party.

“Today is a day of political change nationally, where our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has promised to restore hope and optimism to the country.

“The Portsmouth Labour Group and I are focussed on delivering the same for local residents, holding this failing Liberal Democrat administration to account – and putting forward a more hopeful vision for the city. As Andy Burnham said after becoming leader, so many places across the country should be doing better.”

Cllr Ghosh will continue to represent Charles Dickens ward until at least 2028. The council’s political balance is now 23 Liberal Democrats, 12 Reform UK, three Labour, three Conservatives and one non-aligned independent.