TWO former Labour councillors have joined forces to establish a Plaid Cymru group at County Hall, marking a return to the authority for the party after more than a decade.

Councillor Sue Riley has defected directly from Labour, joining fellow former Labour councillor Rachel Garrick. The move gives Plaid Cymru its first seat at County Hall in over ten years, despite the party now leading the Welsh Government. Plaid has not won a seat in Monmouthshire in a local election since 2008.

Cllr Garrick’s defection now leaves the ruling Labour and Green coalition in a precarious position. Labour already runs a minority administration with Green councillor, Ian Chandler. But they now have less councillors (18) than the Conservatives, with 19 councillors.

Cllr Riley represents Bulwark and Thornwell, while Cllr Garrick represents Caldicot Castle. Both say Plaid Cymru’s current direction better reflects the values that originally drew them to Labour.

Addressing Labour voters and members who have supported her, Cllr Riley said: “To the Labour voters and members who have stood by me, I want to say this: I believe your values are better represented in Plaid Cymru.”

Explaining her decision to leave Labour, Cllr Riley said she had entered local politics to represent the people of Monmouthshire, particularly those who struggle to speak up for themselves.

However, she said growing concerns about decisions made by Labour, particularly those affecting vulnerable residents, had prompted her to reconsider her position.

“Over time, I became increasingly concerned about some of the decisions being made, particularly where they affected people who need support most. Decisions around home-to-school transport and domiciliary care made me question whether Labour was still living up to the values that brought me into local politics.

“Those concerns have ultimately led me to the decision to leave the Labour Party and join Plaid Cymru. At a time when we need decency and integrity in our politics, in Monmouthshire and across Wales, I am confident that those values are alive and well in Plaid Cymru.”

The Council Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, expressed her disappointment at a third councillor leaving her group in six months. She believes the coalition has done well in managing limited resources and vows to protect her leadership.

"I am sorry to see a councillor leave our team and wish her well,” Cllr Brocklesby said.

“The Labour-led coalition is an able and talented team and we have been successful in managing the complex task of getting the very best out of limited resources. One of our strengths is the way we work with others, liaising, co-operating and sharing for the benefit of all those who rely on our services: it is Monmouthshire United."

The Labour Party had instructed its councils to end any power sharing agreement with the Greens over the passing of the ‘zionism is racism’ motion at conference. However, Labour councillors in Monmouthshire have agreed to continue working with the party. Cllr Chandler declined to comment on the defections, but confirmed he would continue working with Labour in County Hall.