On 18th May 2016 we learned that Councillor John Smith of Bucklow St Martin's Ward, Trafford had left the Labour party and joined the Conservatives following the start of disciplinary proceedings by the Labour party. As a result we, the people of Partington, Carrington and Sale West are calling for a Bi-Election.

The Manchester Evening News reported that after facing disciplinary action by his own party due to 'poor performance', C'llr Smith left the Labour party rather than face the consequences of his actions. Councillor Smith was re-elected in 2015 as a Labour candidate and won comfortably. However, the party have questioned his performance/behaviour following the recent local elections which another Labour candidate also won. C'llr Smith reacted by leaving the party and joining the opposition; the Trafford Conservative party.

In electing a member of the local council, there is an understanding that a party candidate represents a particular set of values and principles. It is on these principles alone that many people choose to vote, rather than the individual themselves. Given that Councillor Smith has now abandoned the set of principles that so many people voted him in on in favour of a Conservative ethos, we the people of Bucklow St Martins demand a Bi-Election.