Surprise As Leader Of Labour Group On East Riding Council Defects To The Conservatives

Councillor Steve Gallant, the leader of the Labour group on East Riding of Yorkshire Council, has unexpectedly defected to the Conservative Party to continue his local campaigning.

The leader of the Labour group on East Riding Of Yorkshire Council has defected to the Conservatives in the middle of party conference season. South West Holderness councillor Steve Gallant has now joined the Conservatives on the council, promising to “get on with the job”.

Cllr Gallant is a well-known figure in East Yorkshire and has worked on campaigns around access to cash machines, as well as on telegraph poles and he is keen to work with telecoms companies to improve mobile phone signals in rural areas. He was elected as a Labour councillor in 2023 and went on to lead the Labour group on East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Before his defection, Cllr Gallant had already worked closely with the authority’s Conservative leader, Cllr Anne Handley, on improving council services over the past three-years.

It is now the time for councillors to roll-up their sleeves and start delivering for residents, according to Cllr Gallant. He said:

“I became a councillor to get things done for South West Holderness. That’s what I’ve tried to do, and that’s what I’ll carry on doing – now as part of the Conservative team.

“I’ve worked closely with Anne Handley and she’s done a good job as council leader. She’s backed me, given me responsibility and trusted me to get on with the job. I’m pleased to be joining her team.”

The chance to work more closely with Conservative MP Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) also shaped Cllr Gallant’s decision. He added:

“Graham Stuart’s a good local MP and we’re lucky to have him. I’ve worked with him. He doesn’t care what party you’re in. He cares about getting stuff done. I’ve seen how he works, and I’m proud to back him.

“People want to be able to get their cash out, use their phones and know someone will listen when there’s a problem. They expect us to put the work in. Fair enough, too. So it’s time to roll my sleeves up and keep getting things done for people in Hedon, Preston, Paull, Thorngumbald and right across South West Holderness. There’s plenty to be getting on with. I intend to do just that.”

Cllr Gallant highlighted recent collaborative work on a successful campaign for Hedon’s Cash Hub and praised a commitment secured from Lloyds bank to keep its branch open until the replacement service was ready.

It is believed his decision followed a meeting with the regional Labour party, where Cllr Gallant claims he was told that he would not be standing as their candidate in the local elections which are scheduled for next May.

Cllr Gallant explained:

“I thought it made sense for me to continue to represent the people in my area and I’ll do that in a party that welcomes me as opposed to one that wants to block me.”

Graham Stuart welcomed the defection, which was announced ahead of the Tory party conference, which begins on Sunday, October 4. He said:

“Steve Gallant is a fantastic councillor and a formidable campaigner. Labour’s loss is our gain. He is an asset to Hedon, to South West Holderness and now to the Conservative Party.

“I’ve been proud to work with Steve against unnecessary telegraph poles, on the successful campaign to secure Hedon’s Cash Hub and now on improving mobile signal. He stands up for his community and puts the work in.”

Mr Stuart added:

“We were working together long before he decided to join the Conservatives. We’ve built a record of real results by getting on with the issues residents bring to us.

“I look forward to campaigning alongside Steve, John Dennis and Phil Hinch in South West Holderness. We’ll be knocking on doors, listening to residents and working hard to earn their support. I’m delighted Steve is joining the team.”