AN INDEPENDENT town councillor in Andover has announced he has joined a political party.

Cllr Jason Sangster who represents Romans ward confirmed that he joined Liberal Democrats - just six months ahead of the elections.

He was elected to Andover Town Council in October 2020.

Cllr Sangster said he has always supported the political ideologies of Liberal Democrats and this was the right time for him to join the party.

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He said: “I became a town councillor to help the community. I was elected as an independent and I have been helping my community.

“With what’s going on in national politics I have always believed in Liberal Democrats. I support their policies, ideas and drive. Currently, there is an excess of left and right, but life is better in moderation.”

But joining a political party does not mean he would change the way he thinks, Cllr Sangster said.

“I said in my membership interview about how I vote and how I think. I have always been a very independent thinker, and I don’t follow sheepishly in a group. I will always speak my mind even if it goes against the grain. The party appreciated that answer, which vindicated why I joined them. Because the party appreciates that it is good to disagree and people do have different opinions.”

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Liberal Democrats Parliamentary spokesperson for North West Hampshire and Andover town councillor Luigi Gregori welcomed Cllr Sangster’s decision.

He said: “Jason has demonstrated his commitment to his residence through his hard work in the council. So we're delighted to welcome him to the party and the council group.

“He's a very nice guy. And he is the sort of person who only thinks about serving the community rather than anything.”