A councillor is looking to go from blue to Green, saying his mind was changed after the birth of his daughter. 

Josh Worley, who was first elected as a Conservative on South Norfolk Council (SNC) in 2019, has announced his intention to run as a Green in Thorpe Hamlet at the Norwich City Council elections in May. 

He said he has found himself on a political journey, having previously left the Tories and gone independent last year. 

“I wasn’t happy with the Conservative party, I don’t relate to them anymore, and having been independent meant I had the freedom to think about my politics and what I believe,” he said. 

“There is no doubt in my mind that becoming a father changed my outlook and whole world. 

“I could no longer be selfish, I have to think about her future and our grandchildren's future. That future is not under Conservative or Labour. 

“Having had an opportunity about how I think the world should work and the party that will offer the change the planet needs, the Greens are the only option.” 

Mr Worley, who has also served as chairman of Norwich Market Trader's association, would replace the outgoing Green councillor Lesley Grahame in Thorpe Hamlet if he is elected.

People in the ward may feel nervous about supporting Green councillors, with two former councillors at the county level having previously defected to the Conservatives – Adrian Dearnley in 2016 and Philip Hardy in 2011. 

He also had a series of concerns about the Conservative Party locally and nationally. 

In particular, he argued the policy to deport immigrants to Rwanda was "barbaric” while also criticising Labour for not supporting the renationalisation of various industries. 

He acknowledged his change in party would come up on the doorstep, promising to be open and honest about it.