A North East Conservative councillor has accused the party of “not delivering”, as he announced he is leaving to sit as a Labour member on the local authority.

Usman Ali, serving Ryhope ward on Sunderland City Council, announced the move today (Wednesday, March 22).

The Councillor, who has served since 2021, will now join the majority Labour group led by Graeme Miller.

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In a statement, Cllr Ali explained his move to be the “best way to serve people in Ryhope”.

He said: “From campaigning against anti-social behaviour to supporting local charities, from day one I’ve got stuck in and worked hard.

"The residents in my ward have always been my priority and I will continue to work every single day for them.

“Right now, the Conservative Party is not delivering. Nationally, they are in chaos and locally are more concerned with point scoring against Labour than actually making our community a better place to live.”

Cllr Ali was first elected in 2021 with 49 per cent of the vote from the coastal ward of Ryhope.

He will now work alongside fellow Labour member Martyn Herron and independent Steven Berwick.

Leader of Labour controlled Sunderland City Council, Graeme Miller, said Cllr Ali will be “fantastic” for the party.

He added: “I’ve always known Usman as a hard-working and dedicated ward councillor.

“He will be fantastic for the Labour Group and alongside Cllr Martyn Herron will continue to be a champion for the people of Ryhope.”

Last year’s local elections saw Labour maintain control of the City Council, that has held a majority since the 1970s.

With Cllr Ali’s defection, Labour now have 44 councillors across Sunderland and a majority of 25 over the Conservatives.

MP for Sunderland Central, Julie Elliott, said she “looks forward” to working with Cllr Ali.  

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She added: “The Tories are failing the people of Sunderland. It’s the hardworking Labour councillors here that are on the frontline, fighting cuts from the Conservatives to deliver for people in Ryhope and beyond.

“Both locally and nationally, the Tories are out of touch and out of ideas, and people here recognise that. Cllr Ali will make a fantastic addition to our local Labour team and continue his hard work to deliver for residents.”