Haringey’s embattled Labour party has been dealt another severe blow today, as a prominent local member has announced he is leaving the party and joining the opposition Liberal Democrats. Francis Oparaji, a senior and long standing Labour member and a prominent community campaigner in the Finsbury Park area, has been welcomed into the party by Ross Laird, the Lib Dems’ Deputy Leader.

Dr Oparaji says he has “no regrets” about putting the local Labour party behind him, and is looking forward to working with Lynne Featherstone and the local Lib Dems. His loss will be a huge blow to Haringey Labour.He has been a long-standing member of the local Labour party, and has sat on the General Committee for the Hornsey and Wood Green Parliamentary Constituency. In the local community, he is Vice Chair of the Finsbury Park Partnership, and also sits on the Finsbury Park Community Forum, where he has a close involvement with black and ethnic minority issues.

Commenting on his decision to join the Lib Dems, Francis Oparaji says:”I am delighted and relieved that I have now put Haringey Labour behind me and joined the Liberal Democrats. Lynne Featherstone and her local team have been doing an excellent job exposing the failings of the local Labour council. I will continue my work in the community in Stroud Green and look forward to working with the Lib Dems in the future.”

Lib Dem Deputy Leader Ross Laird, says: “I warmly welcome Francis to the Lib Dems. I have been impressed with his local work and commitment to the community. He is undoubtedly fed up with Labour’s failures and infighting, and he will find a welcome home with us.”