THE leader of Colchester’s Green Party has defected to Labour, claiming it is the only party capable of tackling challenges faced by the city.
Steph Nissen becomes the second Colchester Green since October to disassociate from the party.
Richard Kirkby-Taylor remains the only Green after Mark Goacher stepped down to become an Independent in October.
The defection means the Labour group has 15 seats on Colchester Council, equal to the Liberal Democrats and trailing by four behind the Conservatives.
Ms Nissen, a Castle ward councillor, said she is thrilled to be joining Labour at “an exciting time”.
She said: “Labour is the only party capable of tackling the domestic and global challenges facing Colchester and Britain today.
"I have seen first-hand how united, collaborative and passionate the Colchester Labour group are, working hard with councillors across all parties to deliver the agreed priorities since May 2022.
“Over the past seven months, it has been clear they are focused on delivering a fairer, greener Colchester.”
Last week, Labour claimed another seat in Highwoods following a by-election.
Labour boss Adam Fox added: “Steph has been leading the work on the climate emergency and demonstrated what a hard-working councillor can deliver."
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