By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
A former Southampton City Council cabinet member has defected to the Green Party, saying the Labour government has “broken my heart”.
Coxford ward member Cllr Matthew Renyard announced his decision to leave Labour at the full council meeting on Wednesday, March 26.
The move doubles the Green Party’s representation on the city council alongside Portswood ward councillor Katherine Barbour.
In his six years as an elected member for Labour, Cllr Renyard represented Southampton on the Hampshire police and crime panel for three years and served as cabinet member for safer city for two years.
Cllr Matthew Renyard, third from the right, with Green Party members after his defection from Labour. Pic: Southampton & District Green Party
Cllr Renyard said: “Labour have broken my heart.
“They used to be the party that represented every day, ordinary people – fighting for the poor; the vulnerable; and both the working and middle classes.
“Following the first nine months of this newly elected Labour government, it is clear that Labour has lost its way.
“It does not have a vision for fixing our broken economy with a new economic model that is fit for the 21st Century.
“The Green Party is putting together a clear vision for a future that works for the people, the planet, and future generations.
“Labour are simply carrying out the same old austerity.”
Cllr Renyard’s time in cabinet came to an end in May last year following a reshuffle.
He was also previously chair of the Southampton Test Constituency Labour Party for four years.
The Green Party was becoming the only party that represented everyone in the city, whether working or not, Cllr Barbour said.
Labour council leader Cllr Lorna Fielker said: “Cllr Renyard has shared his reasons for joining the Green Party, and we respect his decision.
“A healthy democracy thrives on diverse viewpoints, ensuring all voices are heard.
“I believe that constructive challenge from the opposition is essential for accountability.”
The new political make-up for the 51 city council members is as follows: 34 Labour, 10 Conservative, five Liberal Democrat, two Green.
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