Welsh Lib Dem defects over tuition fees

The return of veteran Neath Port Talbot councillor John Warman to the Labour fold may not send too many reverberations around the national political scene but the fact that he left the Liberal Democrats in protest over tuition fees is something which will register in quite a few Welsh constituencies nonetheless.

Councillor Warman said: "This has not been an easy decision, but I feel as though the actions of the Tory-led coalition have left me with no choice.

"And I am under no illusion that this is a Tory government in all but name”.

A Welsh Lib Dem spokesperson said it was "sad" that the well respected local councillor was returning to a party that had "wreaked havoc in the Welsh economy".

Our information is that at least one Swansea Lib Dem councillor is contemplating a similar move but is concerned by “personalities running the Labour group”. From what we hear, this impediment might be removed come May.

Update: Warman's departure receives an ungracious response from the oxymoronic blogsite.