THE deputy mayor of Bewdley has announced he has rejoined the Labour Party after 14 years.

Councillor Philip Edmundson announced on Thursday, March 30, that he had rejoined the party, after serving on Bewdley Town Council as an independent councillor.

Cllr Edmundson said on his Facebook page: "I am pleased to announce that after 14 years absence, I have rejoined the Labour Party.

"I will be sitting as a member of Bewdley Town Council under the Labour banner.

"I have come to the conclusion that the only way to fight social inequity and imbalance in our society, local, national and global, is through membership and representation via the Labour Party."

On rejoining Labour, Cllr Edmundson added: "The time has come for me to return to my political roots. Labour is the only political movement in the country that will ensure that post Brexit Britain will not become one of self-centred, free gain for the few and increased poverty, social inequity and imbalance.

"We have to safeguard as much as we can locally, essential health, transport and social care services that are constantly endangered by our Conservative-led district and county councils.

"Labour is the only party with the appropriate care, consideration and commitment to do so. Over 100 years’ experience of fighting for the people of this country and never before has a strong and united party been needed by the people of the Wyre Forest or Worcestershire."

The Wyre Forest Labour group welcomed the news that Cllr Edmundson, who is a assistant headteacher at a Birmingham school, had rejoined their party.

Stephen Brown, of Wyre Forest Labour, said: "It is great news that Philip has come to Labour to join us in our campaign for a fairer society.

"Importantly too, we need to remember that working with local business is critical in creating a prosperous future for us all, and Philip has some great ideas in this area.

"Having someone of Philip's calibre come onboard is excellent, it openly displays the fact that Labour is a good party to join if you care passionately about and want to help create a better society.

"We look forward to working with Philip and expanding our influence in local government to improve the lives of people in Bewdley and beyond.