The Lib Dem spokesperson for health and social care has defected to Labour.

Carl Quilliam says he has switched due to the approach of new Labour leader Keir Starmer.

He also cites his experience of working with the Labour party administration that runs Merton council as a reason for the move.

Leader of Merton Council, Stephen Alambritis, says they’ll work together to campaign against any service reductions at St Helier hospital.

Commenting on behalf of Merton Liberal Democrats, Cllr Anthony Fairclough, Leader of Merton Lib Dem Councillors, said:

“Naturally I am disappointed, but this was a personal decision by Cllr Quilliam and I wish him the best of luck.

Merton Lib Dem councillors remain committed to the local residents who elected us, who should rest assured we will keep working hard to give them and their communities the fresh start they voted for.

There is so much that Labour council bosses could do better, from providing more affordable housing to protecting, not cutting, local care services.

We hope this news does not mean Cllr Quilliam will abandon his commitment to challenging the inaction of local Labour bosses on these vital issues.”