Tory Dudley councillor quits party, claiming it has become 'extreme'

He revealed that none of the three councillors who represent the ward at the moment had been selected by the party for next year's local elections. None of the three candidates chosen to replace them lived in the ward, he added

He accused the party of taking the ward for granted because it was seen as a 'safe' seat.

His ward colleague Councillor Matt Dudley – who was only elected to the council in May this year – also made a withering attack on the local party following his de-selection in the seat.

Councillor Dudley himself was selected to fight the seat following the de-selection his predecessor, Tory councillor, Tina Westwood. He still remains a party member.

Councillor Keasey, a prominent campaigner on gay issues, said Home Secretary Suella Braverman's speech where she said being gay was not in itself grounds for asylum, was an example of how the party had changed.

He also attacked Councillor Patrick Harley's leadership of the Tory-run council.

Councillor Keasey said: "In my opinion the present leadership both locally and nationally have strayed far from Conservative manifestos and promises.

"I would venture so far to label them, in my opinion, as becoming extreme.

"We were elected in 2019 on a specific set of policies, and those have been trashed left, right and centre.

"We're now hearing these increasingly disturbing comments about immigration.

"I'm a member of the LGBT Pride community, and when I hear Suella Braverman saying that being gay isn't a reason to be granted asylum, when you see on the news what's happening to them in certain countries, I think it's awful.

"The reason they are doing this is the Government is an utter shambles, and they are grasping at any straw."

Councillor Keasey also criticised council leader Patrick Harley's removal of Councillor Natalie Neale from the ruling cabinet.

Councillor Neale's removal came after a leaked email showed she told Councillor Harley she felt uncomfortable in his presence, and threatened to resign from her post unless he stepped down. Councillor Harley responded by saying he accepted her resignation.

"I was disgusted by the way Natalie Neale was treated," he said.

Councillor Harley survived a vote of no confidence called by the opposition Labour group, but Councillor Keasey had voted for Councillor Harley to be removed. Councillor Harley revealed he and Councillor Neale had previously been in a four-year relationship.

Councillor Keasey, who had previously stood for the UK Independence Party, said he had not decided whether he would stand again as an independent, or join another party.

Councillor Dudley said he planned to remain in the party, and oppose the decision.

"I strongly believe that this decision has been to allow certain individuals to be placed in Sedgley," he said.

"The three successful candidates that were chosen do not live in and are not from the ward.

"I am continuing to complain to the party locally and nationally about this decision.

"I am proud to represent you and Sedgley and hoped that I would have the opportunity to stand again but a corrupt selection system has robbed me of that."

The Express & Star attempted to contact Councillor Harley for comment.

Sedgley is traditionally seen as a Conservative stronghold, although it was held by Ukip's Bill Etheridge from 2014-2018.