Labour councillor defects to the Tories - for 24 hours

Strange goings on in Swindon, where a Labour councillor crossed the floor to join the Tories, thought again and then rejoined the Labour group a day later.

The Swindon Advertiser has the story:

Matthew Courtliff, who was elected to represent the Lydiard and Freshbrook ward just five months ago, made the shock decision on Tuesday evening following a meeting with council leader David Renard. 

After completing the paperwork to officially join the Conservative group, Coun Courtliff released a statement citing concerns with the direction of Labour under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership as the motive behind his decision. 

He said he looked forward to Theresa May’s leadership and offered his support for the Conservative group’s vision for Swindon ... 

But before the dust had even settled on the defection, Coun Courtliff had a change of heart and performed a dramatic u-turn. 

On Wednesday morning he declared that he had made “a terrible mistake” and described the day’s events as “the most stupid 24 hours of my life.” 

Following a meeting between Coun Grant and Coun Courtliff, the Swindon Labour Group confirmed that he would remain a Labour councillor representing the residents of Lydiard and Freshbrook.

Winston Churchill adds: Anyone can rat, but it takes a certain amount of ingenuity to re-rat.