Politics, environment, farming and more in your new free Western Morning News newsletter - direct to your inbox every day Sign up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The leader of the Labour group on Plymouth City Council believes three councillors who have joined forces with the Conservatives have 'broken their contract' with the communities they serve.

Cllr Tudor Evans wants John Riley, Maddi Bridgeman and Christopher Storer, who have all quit Ukip, to stand down and re-stand for the Tories, in a move that would trigger three by-elections in their wards.

John Riley represents Honicknowle, Maddi Bridgeman allegiance is with Moor View whilst and Christopher Storer was elected to Ham ward.

All three were elected in 2014.

Cllr Evans said: "I am demanding three by-elections be held, because it's over six months before the next set of elections.

"These people should put themselves forward for re-election.





"The three of them stood on anti-Conservative platforms when they got elected. It was bad enough they then engaged in a coalition with the Conservatives.



"But now, of course, they have actually joined the Conservative party.



"The next elections are too far away for them to limp on like this."



When asked if there would be an appetite for the by-elections and if the electorate would be concerned about the costs involved, Cllr Evans said: "Elections are quite important; they're a contract with the people.





"For the next eight months, these people are misrepresenting their constituents. They have broken their contract with the local community."

