Cllr Matt Bunday Joins the Southampton Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrat Group on Southampton City Council has gained a new member, as Cllr Matt Bunday formally joins the party following his resignation from Labour. His move increases the number of Liberal Democrat councillors to six — the largest the group has been in over a decade.

Cllr Bunday, who represents Swaythling Ward, said his decision was motivated by a loss of faith in the Labour Party’s direction and a desire to serve his community more effectively.

“The Labour Party is not the party I joined years ago,” he said. “I don’t feel that my values or passion for local government have changed since I became politically active in 2017. I remain passionate about supporting our communities and in serving Southampton, so the Lib Dems were the natural option. They have very sensible and optimistic policies, are dedicated to their communities and remain clearly pro-European.”

He now joins his ward colleague, Cllr Thomas Gravatt, and four other Liberal Democrat councillors across the city.

Group Leader Cllr Richard Blackman welcomed the news:

“I’m really pleased that Matt Bunday has decided to join our Group. Matt brings with him a deep commitment to serve the people of our city, a wealth of experience as a councillor, and a strong ethical foundation. The Lib Dem Group in Southampton is growing quickly. We are providing a robust yet constructive opposition to the uninspiring Labour administration, and look forward to working with Matt to develop our plans for the city.”

The Liberal Democrats have been gaining ground in Southampton, campaigning on issues such as housing, transport, and financial responsibility, and presenting themselves as a fresh alternative to what they describe as a stagnant local administration.

Cllr Bunday added:

“I look forward to getting back to work with the Lib Dem Group of councillors, including my ward colleague Thomas Gravatt, to serve our residents and improve Southampton.”

With six councillors now on the City Council, the Liberal Democrats are emerging as a serious and growing voice for communities across Southampton.