Morpeth town councillor switches from Greens to Labour Party

A statement from Cllr Jan Rosen, who is one of the council’s North Ward members, mentions that it was not a decision he took lightly.

He explained the decisions by the Greens in recent months, together with the change in Labour leader and Prime Minister (from Sir Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham), led to the switch.

But he insisted that his principals have not changed, saying “politics should never be about serving a party, it should be about serving people”.

Cllr Rosen mentioned the many dedicated and hard-working people he met during my time in the Green Party and he remains grateful for their friendship, support and commitment to their communities.

But outlining why he left the party and joined Labour, he said: “However, under the leadership of Zack Polanski, I believe the Green Party has taken a direction that increasingly conflicts with the values and principles that originally inspired me to join.

“Quite simply, I no longer recognise the party I once believed in.

“This decision is not simply about leaving one political party and joining another. It is about finding a political home that genuinely reflects my values, principles and aspirations for the communities I represent.

“I also recognise and welcome the changes in Labour’s leadership and evolving political direction.

“I believe these changes reflect a renewed sense of purpose, a clearer focus on the challenges facing ordinary people and an approach that more closely aligns with my own values and beliefs.

“As a councillor, my first responsibility has always been – and will always remain – to the residents and communities that I represent.

“By joining Labour, I believe I can continue that work with the support, experience and resources of a major political party that shares my commitment to creating a fairer, stronger and more inclusive society.

“I remain the same person, with the same strong social conscience, the same determination to stand up for fairness and equality, and the same unwavering commitment to the people I was elected to represent.

“I look forward to this new chapter as a Labour councillor, working constructively with colleagues, residents and local organisations to deliver meaningful and lasting positive change.”