THE leader of the Labour group on Welwyn Hatfield Council has said she felt betrayed after a former colleague switched allegiances. As reported on www.whtimes24.co.uk yesterday, Sam Smith, who represented WGC's Haldens ward from 2005 to 2008, has defected

THE leader of the Labour group on Welwyn Hatfield Council has said she felt betrayed after a former colleague switched allegiances.

As reported on www.whtimes24.co.uk yesterday, Sam Smith, who represented WGC's Haldens ward from 2005 to 2008, has defected to the Tory party.

With it came stinging criticism of Labour, both locally and nationally.

Mr Smith said he had become sick of "constant infighting" within the party ranks.

Councillor Margaret Birleson told the WHT she was "surprised" Mr Smith had swapped sides.

She said: "Sam was always attacking the Tory group on the council for their policies.

"I'm very surprised he's decided to join the Conservative party."

Cllr Birleson added: "I feel quite let down by the things he's saying.