Plymouth City Councillor Dylan Tippetts has today officially joined the Liberal Democrats, calling them “the party of fairness, even when the going gets tough."
The Compton ward councillor, who made history in 2022 as Plymouth’s first openly trans elected councillor, said his decision was about aligning with a party that truly stands for equality and fairness.
In his statement, Cllr Tippetts said:
“I first got into politics to give people a voice who may not otherwise have one. For me, that means always standing up for equal rights for all.”
Explaining his choice to join the Lib Dems, Cllr Tippetts said:
“In the face of rising far-right populism, the Liberal Democrats are not running away from the battle for equal rights for all. They are the party of fairness, even when the going gets tough. I'm proud to be joining the Liberal Democrats and joining the battle for the future of our city and the future of our country.”
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the communities he serves:
“In Compton ward, I am proud to have stood with residents on difficult planning issues, when the buses got cut, and when basic services haven't been delivered. Thank you to the wonderful people of Compton, Mannamead, Mutley and Hartley Vale for your support over the past three years. I look forward to continuing to stand with you and working to make things better for you until the end of my term.”
Cllr Tippetts emphasised his ongoing support for the trans community, saying:
“I meant what I said to the trans community when I got elected. Your voice matters. I will always make sure trans voices are listened to and valued in this period of turbulence and division our country faces.”
Welcoming him to the party, Stuart Bonar, chair of Plymouth Liberal Democrats, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Dylan to the Liberal Democrats. It is fantastic that there will now be a Liberal Democrat voice in the council chamber.”
Bonar added:
“Put simply, we believe that everyone should be able to live their lives as who they are, free to pursue their dreams and fulfil their potential, safe in the knowledge that their fundamental rights will be protected. That is at the heart of what it means to be a Liberal Democrat, and that’s why Dylan should feel fully at home in our party.”
He said the Lib Dems were growing rapidly both locally and nationally, pointing to gains in recent elections:
“Nationwide there are now more Lib Dem MPs than there have been for more than a century, and more MPs here in Devon are from the Lib Dems than from any other party.”
Bonar also cited national issues as a driving force behind the party’s momentum, including recent government policies on pensions and disability benefits:
“With the Government scrapping winter fuel payments to over 10 million pensioners as well as cutting benefits to disabled people, it is no surprise that more and more people are turning to the Liberal Democrats. I would encourage them to follow Dylan’s lead and join us.”
Cllr Tippetts will now sit as a Liberal Democrat for the remainder of his term on Plymouth City Council.
Politics Desk
