Today Cllr Ali Demirci announced he is leaving the Liberal Party and joining Haringey Labour - great news for Bounds Green!

This is the second councillor in less than a year to resign from the Liberal Democrats to join the Labour group, demonstrating that the Liberal Democrat party is completely failing to reflect the needs and concerns of the people of Haringey.

Councillor for Bounds Green ward, Cllr Ali Demirci was welcomed to the Labour Group on Tuesday.

 Cllr Demirci said:

‘I became involved in politics because I wanted to fight injustice and I am joining Labour today because I believe that they are the party who have the best policies to tackle poverty and inequality in Haringey and across London. The Liberal Democrat party is nothing but a protest party, with no vision, no plans and no real concept of the injustice that still exists in Haringey. As a councillor for Bounds Green I have seen that it is the Labour party who have the vision and policies to improve the lives of local people; that is why I have decided to join them.‘

 Cllr Demirci’s resignation comes a week after the Liberal Democrats were celebrating their tenth anniversary and will come as a blow to their new leader, Cllr Robert Gorrie.

 Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr George Meehan, said:

 “The Liberals have proved that they are great at issuing press releases but weak when it comes to really engaging the local community and bringing about change. I’m delighted that Ali has decided he can better serve the Bounds Green community as a Labour Councillor and together we’re completely committed to making a positive difference to the ward. I am delighted to welcome him to the Haringey Labour Group".

 Fellow Labour Councillor for Bounds Green Ward, Matt Cooke, said:

 “I have always felt that the Liberal Democrats have held Ali back and I am looking forward to working with him so that Bounds Green has two committed Labour councillors working with local people to improve our area.”

"The Liberals have consistently failed to communicate a positive vision for the future of our area and I know that Ali's coming over to Labour reflects his frustration with that crippling lack of vision. This is great news for our area and I am delighted to welcome him"

Labour candidate for Hornsey and Wood Green, Karen Jennings, said:

"It's clear the next general election will be a battle between Labour and the Conservatives and I'm delighted that Ali has decided to join the campaign to keep David Cameron out of Government and continue Labour's agenda. I have no doubt that the Lib Dems would jump into bed with David Cameron given the opportunity and that's why I look forward to working with Ali to ensure that Labour wins back the important seat of Hornsey and Wood Green."