Labour has seen its numbers boosted at one council after a councillor switched allegiances.

Cllr Ann Cavanagh has joined the party after being elected to the Borden and Grove Park ward seat as a member of the Swale Independents in May.

She will sit with her new party when Swale Council meets at its next full meeting on Wednesday night.

It now means Labour will have 16 seats, with the Swale Independents having 12.

Cllr Cavanagh made the move as she believes the group is a “better fit” for her.

She added: “Since being elected to Swale Borough Council in May, I have found the Labour councillors very friendly and supportive.

“I have known the leader of the council and the Labour group, Tim Gibson, for about five years.

‘I am excited at the thought of getting involved with Labour both locally and in the forthcoming general election...’

“Since the elections of 2019 and the creation of the Rainbow Coalition, which I found very exciting and positive for Swale, I have followed its progress with interest.

“So, when asked by the Swale Independents, part of the coalition, to stand, I thought it would be a privilege to be part of the coalition.

“After seeing how Tim leads his group, and how welcoming his group has been to me as a new councillor, I believe I will flourish in this group.

“I am excited at the thought of getting involved with Labour both locally and in the forthcoming general election.”

This will not change the balance of the coalition administration or the opposition, as Cllr Cavanagh is exchanging one coalition group for another.

There are also 11 Conservatives, five Liberal Democrats and three Green Party representatives in Swale.

Council leader Tim Gibson welcomed the new councillor, saying she had developed “very good working relationships” with his members.

He added: “With a general election looming and people focusing on liberating us from the current chaotic government, it is good to know that we have added another strong local voice to our team.”