ONE of the big three political parties is urging its supporters to throw their weight behind another party’s candidate for a forthcoming byelection, saying it’s “about people not political parties”.

The Malvern Liberal Democrats are backing a candidate fielded by the Green Party in the forthcoming Malvern West district council by-election.

The Greens, Liberal Democrats and several independent councillors already form a longstanding allied grouping on the Conservative-led Malvern Hills District Council.

Voters in the ward cast their votes on Thursday, July 5.

The by-election was triggered after the Greens’ previous incumbent Luna Deller stepped down to move her family to Malaysia.

Councillor Tom Wells, who is leader of the Liberal Democrats – and the district council allies – said the party faithful should put their support behind Greens’ candidate Julian Roskams.

“The Liberal Democrats have decided not to field a candidate and the reason is we believe that Julian Roskams the Green Party candidate would make a fine councillor,” he said.

“I believe it’s about people, not political parties at local Government level.

“It’s daft to put a candidate up just for the sake of party politics and we are asking Liberal Democrats to support him on this occasion.”

Independent Sarah Rouse, Conservative Jennie Kelly and Labour’s Chris Burrows are also standing for the election.