Ash Cartman, a Long Ashton councillor and twice Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for North Somerset, has announced his resignation from the Liberal Democrat party after more than 15 years of membership. Citing an ideological shift within the party, Cartman expressed discomfort with what he perceives as the party’s move increasingly towards the left.
Cartman, who identifies with the right wing of the Liberal Democrats, first joined during the coalition government period, inspired by the collaborative approach of Nick Clegg and David Cameron. He lamented that the party no longer represents that “voice for something different” and instead seems entrenched in the political establishment.
In a letter to party leader Ed Davey, Cartman highlighted his concerns: despite the party’s growth in parliamentary representation, it lacks substantive policies addressing the country’s systemic challenges. He criticized the party’s cautious stance toward the Labour government, describing it as “timid” and “profoundly inadequate,” which has left him deeply disillusioned.
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Cartman also suggested that the Liberal Democrats have become a “political refuge for disaffected tactical voters,” although he maintains “enormous respect” for local colleagues and friends within the party.
Previously, Cartman left the Lib Dem group on North Somerset Council in protest over the controversial Epic development near Long Ashton, though he remained a party member before rejoining the group. Despite resigning from the party, he plans to continue within the council group led by Mike Bell, praising Bell’s leadership and not wishing to undermine the current council administration.