A councillor on Buckinghamshire Council has switched political allegiance, moving from the Liberal Democrats to the Conservatives.
Dean Field, who represents Wendover, Halton and Stoke Mandeville, has left the Liberal Democrat group to sit with the Conservative group on the authority. He was elected to the council in May 2025, topping the poll in his ward with 1,050 votes.
In a statement explaining his decision, Cllr Field said he believed joining the Conservative group would enable him to be more effective in representing residents. He said he had observed how Conservative councillors were running the council, describing their approach as focused on service delivery, value for money and maintaining a balanced budget despite financial pressures. He added that he had been particularly impressed by the council’s financial management and said he looked forward to working with colleagues across Buckinghamshire to deliver outcomes for local communities.
The leader of the Conservative group on Buckinghamshire Council, Steven Broadbent, welcomed the move. He said Cllr Field’s decision strengthened the Conservative group’s position on the council and reflected recognition of the administration’s work. He also highlighted the council’s budget management and ongoing investment priorities.
The decision has been criticised by local Liberal Democrat representatives, who said they were surprised and disappointed by the defection. In a statement shared on social media, the party said it had supported Cllr Field during his 2025 election campaign and had worked with him as part of its group on the council.
The Liberal Democrats also referenced local campaigning related to the future of the Bucks Sports and Social Club site, an issue that has been the subject of legal proceedings involving Buckinghamshire Council. The party said it had worked alongside residents and the parish council on the matter and expressed concern about what it described as a change in position following the election. They said they would continue to represent the views of residents and oppose development on the site.
Cllr Field did not comment specifically on the concerns raised by his former party regarding the Bucks Sports and Social Club site in the material provided, but said his priority remains delivering for residents in Wendover, Halton and Stoke Mandeville.
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