A county councillor for Caldicot has left the ruling Labour group on Monmouthshire County Council, joining the Independent Group and alleging a culture of bullying and exclusion within the council and on Caldicot Town Council.
Second defection this year
Jill Bond, who represents the West End ward in Caldicot, announced she was leaving the Labour group and moving to the Independent Group led by Cllr Frances Taylor. Her departure follows that of Cllr Sue Riley, who became an independent in May.
In a statement shared by the Independent Group, Cllr Bond said she remained aligned to Labour’s values but criticised the behaviour of the leadership at both county and town council levels. She said she had experienced what she described as "poor behaviour" towards herself and had witnessed similar treatment of other councillors, including Cllr Riley and Cllr Tony Easson.
"Whilst my values and principles will continue to align with the Labour Party, I do not recognise the behaviour of the leadership in the Labour group at Monmouthshire County Council and at Caldicot Town Council to be following those ideals."
The change reduces Labour’s strength on the 46-member council. The party now holds 19 seats and continues to run the council in coalition with the single Green Party councillor.
Responses from Labour leadership
Mary Ann Brocklesby, Labour leader on Monmouthshire County Council, said she was sorry Cllr Bond no longer felt comfortable in the group and wished her well in her new role. Cllr Brocklesby added that Cllr Bond left before complaints related to her conduct had been considered by the group leadership and the Labour Party.
- Cllr Jill Bond: West End ward, Caldicot — left Labour group to join Independents
- Earlier defection: Cllr Sue Riley — became independent in May
- Labour on council: 19 of 46 seats; coalition with one Green councillor
Local impact and context
The resignations highlight tensions within local party structures and on the town council where five councillors previously resigned together in February amid a separate dispute. The allegations are likely to prompt closer scrutiny of conduct and procedures within both Monmouthshire County Council and Caldicot Town Council.
For residents, the immediate practical effect will be political: shifts in group numbers can affect voting arithmetic on the council, though Labour remains in control through its existing arrangement with the Green councillor.
| Council size | Labour seats | Other details |
|---|---|---|
| 46 members | 19 | Labour runs council in coalition with one Green councillor |
Any formal complaints or investigations into the behaviour cited by Cllr Bond would be handled through internal party and council procedures. The Labour group leader has indicated that Cllr Bond departed before any complaints regarding her conduct were considered.
This development will be followed locally for its potential to influence council relations and decision-making in the months ahead.
