DEFECTION: Plaid Cymru Councillor joins Welsh Conservatives, highlighting how Party is only alternative to Labour

A Plaid Cymru Councillor has today announced his defection to the Welsh Conservatives, declaring an ambitious policy platform “proves the Party is the only alternative to five more years of Labour failure”.

Cllr Greg Robbins, a much-respected Llandudno Town Councillor, said he made the decision after becoming disillusioned with Plaid Cymru’s “failure to articulate a vision for change, or any ambition for the North Wales region”.

A well-known local figure, and former Mayor, Cllr Robbins serves as Chairman of Planning, Town Twinning and Fireworks and is the Vice Chairman of Llandudno Coastal Forum amongst many other roles in the community.

Following the announcement, he emphasised Janet Finch-Saunders’ and Guto Bebb’s strong record of delivery in Aberconwy, and the prospect of Andrew RT Davies becoming First Minister offering hope of “securing real change for North Wales, too readily ignored by a tired, cosy Cardiff Bay establishment”.

The defection was announced on Llandudno Pier on Tuesday morning.
Welsh Conservative Cllr Greg Robbins said:

“I’m delighted to join the Welsh Conservative Party.

“Janet Finch-Saunders has been a great public servant for Aberconwy, with a clear record of delivery including the the beach issues here in Llandudno.

“I have also received great assistance and support from Guto Bebb and his team with various matters affecting constituents and local business in the area.

“With Janet fighting our corner in the Assembly, and with Andrew RT Davies our next First Minister, we can secure real change for North Wales, too readily ignored by a tired, cosy Cardiff Bay establishment.

“From protecting the NHS, to backing small businesses and devolving growth levers to North Wales, the Welsh Conservative manifesto is an ambitious, exciting document, and proves the Party is the only alternative to five more years of Labour failure.

“I’ve been disillusioned with Plaid Cymru’s failure to articulate a vision for change, or any ambition for the North Wales region, and am proud to join a Party which can secure real change for Wales, with strong, competent leadership and a plan to bring prosperity to Wales.”

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies added:

“Cllr Greg Robbins is a hardworking, dedicated public servant, and I’m so proud to welcome him to the Welsh Conservative Party.

“With Labour only one seat from losing control, Welsh Conservatives are attracting new support from all over Wales.

“Plaid have propped up Labour time and time again – and their Leader continues to rule out doing so yet again. Cllr Robbins, a fantastic recruit, joins us at the most exciting time, with an Assembly election only seven days away, and Wales on the verge of getting rid of Labour for the first time.”

Aberconwy candidate Janet Finch-Saunders added:

“People across Llandudno know what a hard-working and committed representative Cllr Robbins is and I’m delighted he has endorsed my campaign to be re-elected as the Assembly Member for Aberconwy.

“I very much look forward to working with Greg in the coming months, as we also work together to increase the number of Welsh Conservative elected members to Conwy County Borough Council in 2017.”