Lib Dem councillor goes to Labour

Cllr John Longstaff is defecting to Labour

The defection of an Edinburgh councillor to Labour from the Liberal Democrats has been hailed as an historic move by the city's leader.

Kirkliston councillor John Longstaff has had his application to the Labour group accepted.

The 60-year-old has been a councillor for seven years as well as the Lib Dem's culture spokesman in the city.

Donald Anderson, leader of the Labour-controlled council, said he was "very pleased" by the decision.

He said: "I can confirm John Longstaff has made an application for membership to join the Labour party, which the Labour group has decide to accept.

"I'm very pleased, as it is recognition for what Labour is trying to do and that is the right thing for the right reasons.

"I can't remember a Lib Dem councillor in Edinburgh ever defecting to Labour, so this is an historic occasion."