Former Tory Councillor joins Swansea and Gower Liberal Democrats

11.01.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 12th Jul 2007

Councillor Huw Rees outside County Hall

A highly respected Independent Councillor on Swansea Council has joined the Welsh Liberal Democrats. Huw Rees, who was elected as a Conservative in the City's Sketty Ward in 2004 and who is the former Deputy Presiding Officer on the Council, signed up to become a Welsh Liberal Democrat Councillor last week.

Huw was formerly a Conservative Councillor but left them due to disillusionment with the direction the party was taking. His defection brings the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group up to 20. They currently lead the Council in conjunction with the Independents.

Outside of politics, Huw Rees was the Head of Music at the old Llansamlet Secondary Modern, Penlan Comprehensive and Pentrehafod Comprehensive Schools. A fluent Welsh speaker, Huw has been the Assistant Conductor at Morriston Orpheus for 34 years and is also an accomplished actor, appearing in Pobl y Cwm, Cowbois ac Injans, Casualty and the latest series of Dr. Who.

Welcoming him to the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Council Leader, Chris Holley: "I have always considered Huw to be an instinctive Liberal and I am pleased that he has now found his natural home. He is widely respected in his own community and throughout the City and will be a major asset to the Liberal Democrats."