Two councillors quit party as 'internal differences' come to a head

Two councillors have quit their party after 'internal differences' came to a head at a recent meeting. Cllr Charlotte Moncado-Sears, of Horwich North, and Cllr Samantha Williamson, both left the Horwich and Blackrod First Independents after a meeting last week. Both will now continue to sit as independents but this could yet have wider implications for the balance of power at Bolton Council.

Cllr Moncado-Sears said: “I took the decision to leave the party last week due to internal differences. “That is all I am prepared to say at this stage but I will continue to work with residents. Cllr Moncado-Sears (Image: Bolton Council) “I’m still going to 100 per cent represent them, they are not going to suffer just because I’m now independent.

” Both Cllr Moncado-Sears and Cllr Williamson will also continue to sit on Horwich Town Council representing Vale ward and Church ward. Cllr Williamson said: “I left the party because I felt that the party did not treat all members equally, especially treating people with different points of view equally. Cllr Samantha Williamson (Image: Bolton Council) “I will be continuing as an independent for as a long as the public wishes and would like to thank them for their support on a number of issues, particularly on the vapes issue.

” The pair’s decision to leave HBFI comes around five months after Cllr Ryan Bamforth's departure from the party. Cllr Bamforth , of Horwich North, has continued to represent the area as an independent .