A Bury councillor has dramatically quit the Conservative Party, citing local infighting, political vendettas and a breakdown in core values as the reasons behind his resignation.
Luis McBriar, elected to represent Tottington ward, announced his departure in a strongly worded statement, accusing the Bury Conservative Association of being “more committed to settling scores and carrying out vendettas than improving our borough”.
The councillor, who has been a lifelong member of the Conservatives, said he could no longer support a party that had, in his view, abandoned principles of integrity, honesty and fair play.
McBriar’s resignation also follows the deselection of fellow Conservative councillor Russell Bernstein, which he described as a deliberate attempt by a “small select group of cronies” to remove a hardworking colleague.
“Russell is the epitome of what the modern Conservative Party should be,” McBriar said. “But the association here is more interested in retribution than representation.”
McBriar further claimed that the newly elected officers of the Bury Conservative Association, chosen at the AGM on 26 June, were “hellbent on settling scores” and included individuals who had either committed or excused criminal behaviour. He did not specify names or detail the allegations.
While conceding that his chances of re-election would statistically be higher under the Conservative banner, McBriar said he was acting on principle rather than self-interest.
“I will continue to represent Tottington, the area I call home, but now as a member of the Local Independents for Bury,” he said.
McBriar has pledged to remain accountable to his constituents and encouraged residents to contact him for support with local issues.
In response, the Bury Conservative Association issued a statement saying:
“It is of no surprise to us that Councillor Bernstein has chosen to resign the day before a disciplinary panel convened by the National Conservative Party is held. This panel was investigating multiple complaints of bullying, harassment, and intimidation toward members, councillors, and others.
If Councillor Bernstein anticipated the panel finding against him, resignation may have seemed the easier path than facing the consequences of his conduct.
If it is true that other councillors have chosen to follow him, that is disappointing. The Conservative Party is – and must remain – a party that upholds mutual respect, personal responsibility, and integrity. Anyone unwilling to uphold those values is not fit to represent the Party.
We note that when a Member of Parliament defected, Councillor Bernstein and others called for an immediate by-election. We therefore look forward to the by-elections we expect to follow and will fight them with the full strength of our team and values. Residents deserve representation from people who reflect their values – not individuals running from accountability.
We remain focused on working hard for the people of Bury, delivering on their priorities and standing up for the standards our residents expect from elected representatives.”
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