Tory quits party over housing benefit cuts

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government

A Tory councillor has quit the Conservative Party over David Cameron’s plans to cut housing benefit for young people.

Cllr Matt James of Brixham Council wrote to the local party leader to resign after becoming concerned with the prime minister’s policies on cutting housing benefits for the under 25s, and his attempts at economic recovery.

Cllr James said: "It is true. I am leaving the party. The reason behind my decision is that I have grown very unhappy with the direction the national party has been taking for some time on various issues.

"I spoke to the mayor and deputy mayor and they understand my reasons and respect my choice."

Cllr James will now sit with the independents within the council, and says that he will still be supportive of the party locally, claiming that his resignation has nothing to do with local politics.