The mayor of Gosport has announced she is leaving the Liberal Democrats and will continue in her role as first citizen as an independent councillor.
In a statement, Councillor Kirsten Bradley said her decision was based on a difference between her personal values and those of the Liberal Democrat party, adding that her priority remains serving residents and the wider community.
She said: “As an elected member of the council my priority is the public and the community.
“I have been very pleased to serve the residents of my ward, surrounding areas and the whole borough as mayor.”
The mayor, who has lived in Gosport for most of her life, described the decision as a difficult one, particularly during what she called “a very difficult time to be involved in local politics.”
Cllr Bradley said that while she was not directly involved in the recent Bridgemary by-election win by Paul Carter from Reform, the “volatility” surrounding it contributed to her decision to sit as an independent.
She said: “I feel right now my values do not align to the Liberal Democrats. I now take the decision to go independent.”
Despite the change, she confirmed she will remain mayor and continue to carry out her duties in the same way as before, supporting residents, community groups and civic events across the borough.
She added: “I will continue to serve the community as mayor in my usual manner, be proud to meet and support everyone along the way as normal and expected of me,” she added.
Following the move, the political make-up of Gosport Borough Council now stands at 13 Liberal Democrats, 11 Conservatives, two Labour councillors and one Reform councillor, plus independent Cllr Bradley.
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