Councillors Quit Liberal Democrat Group to Become Independents

Two Harborough district councillors have left the Liberal Democrat group and will now sit as independents.

Councillor Jo Asher, who represents Lubenham Ward, and Councillor Buddy Anderson, who represents Great Bowden and Arden, say the decision follows the coalition losing control of Harborough District Council last month.

In a joint statement, the pair said they believed a change in leadership within the Liberal Democrat group was needed following the loss of control, but said that “change was not forthcoming”.

They added that they increasingly felt their “views and concerns were not being heard within the group” and described the move as “the right step” to continue representing residents “with integrity”.

Cllr Jo Asher & Cllr Buddy Anderson will now sit as independent members

Councillor Asher previously served as Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, while Councillor Anderson is chair of the scrutiny panel.

The councillors said their commitment to local communities “remains unchanged” and pledged to continue working constructively across the authority.

The Conservatives took control of the council after a motion to remove Liberal Democrat leader Phil Knowles, and replace him with Conservative group leader Simon Whelband was passed by a single vote.

Councillor Knowles had led a 16-strong coalition of Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green and independent councillors since 2023 on the finely balanced authority.

Conservative deputy group leader, Councillor Phil King, said the developments showed “exactly why we had to act when we did”, adding that residents deserved “stability, competence and leadership focused on the district, not political infighting”.