A political shake-up has hit Penrith Town Council after two former town mayors switched allegiance to the Liberal Democrats, leaving opposition representation on the town council all but eliminated with just 2 non Liberal Democrats on the council.
Councillors Lawson and Jackson have both now been formally listed as Liberal Democrat members by Penrith Town Council, giving the party a dominant 13 of the 15 seats.
The move marks a shift in the balance of power on the town council, with just two councillors now outside Lib Dem control—one Labour and one Independent.
Cllr Lawson was originally elected as a Green Party councillor and previously stood as a parliamentary candidate for the green party, as well as serving on Eden District Council as a green party councillor. Cllr Jackson has had a more varied political path, having previously served as a Conservative councillor on both Eden District Council and Penrith Town Council before becoming an Independent and securing re-election in 2023 as a town councillor.
Both have served in the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Penrith and chair and vice chair of the council.
Their switch to the Lib Dem group has effectively cemented near-total control of the council for the party, with opposition now reduced to a minimal presence.
All 15 town council seats will be up for election in just over 12 months when the town council is expected to increase to 17 seats.
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