Two councillors who were elected as Liberal Democrats, then became independents, have now joined the Conservatives – but the move is said to be disrespecting voters.

In last year’s local elections in May, Lisa and Paul Whittle were elected as Liberal Democrat councillors and were elected as Fareham Town and Portchester Wicor ward councillors respectively.

At last month’s Fareham Borough Council’s full council meeting, it was announced that both councillors had joined the Conservative Party on April 17.

For a short time, after the election last year, Mr Whittle had led the eight-strong Liberal Democrat group, but he stepped down as leader.

Both councillors then left the Lib Dems and became independent members for a while; Mr Whittle from February 21 and Mrs Whittle from December 17, 2024.

The Fareham Conservative and Waterlooville Conservative Party said it was now delighted to announce the pair had joined the group on Fareham Borough Council.

Labour’s Councillor Gemma Furnivall (Fort Fareham) said: “The news is not only disappointing, it’s disrespectful to the voters who put their faith in them to stand up to the Tory status quo. 

“In both Portchester Wicor and Fareham Town, residents overwhelmingly rejected the Conservatives, with many people lending their votes to the Lib Dems to get the Tories out. Now, thanks to political manoeuvring, the Conservatives have slipped straight back in.”

The pair said they were looking forward to being part of the team and continuing to add value and make a difference for residents as councillors in Fareham. 

Cllr Paul Whittle said: “In the new arrangements Lisa and I very much look forward to better being able to serve the residents of Portchester and Fareham which is our duty, privilege and priority; we have received a lot of support lately and with a new council year about to commence it is a good fresh start and new beginnings provide an opportunity to further add value and make a difference for local people and our communities.”

In response to the latest change, the council’s social media sites received various comments.

As well as welcoming the pair, one said: “Shouldn’t be allowed to swap sides, really ought to be removed if not voted in as a Tory.” While another said: “They should have the decency to resign and allow us to vote again. They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Councillor David Hamilton (Wallington and Downend), leader of the Fareham Lib Dems, said: “It feels like a distant memory when the Whittles were Liberal Democrats. Turns out they always wanted to be Conservatives, and we wish them well in realising their ambition. We continue to go from strength to strength as the leading opposition in Fareham.”

He added as the largest opposition party the Lib Dems were committed to holding the Fareham executive to account and providing effective scrutiny.

Councillor Simon Martin, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “I’ve always admired the way in which Paul and Lisa have worked constructively to get the best for the residents they represent and for Fareham borough. They are highly regarded locally for their pragmatic approach to conducting council business.”

Mr Whittle had previously served six years as a Lib Dem councillor but stepped down in 2016 when the Conservatives were calling for his resignation as he was working in Saudi Arabia.

The council is now made up of 24 Conservative Party members, six Liberal Democrats, one Labour and one Independent.