Long-serving East Acton Councillor Defects to Lib Dems

Kate Crawford had represented Labour in the area for 28 years

Kate Crawford in Acton alongside Gary Malcolm

March 26, 2026

East Acton councillor Kate Crawford has left the Labour Party after almost three decades of service, announcing that she has joined the Ealing Liberal Democrats and will stand for re-election under her new party’s banner in May.

Cllr Crawford, first elected in 1998 and one of the borough’s longest-serving councillors, said she made the decision after Labour officials informed her she would not be permitted to stand again. She described the move as “very disappointing” and argued that decisions about candidate selection “should be taken by a party’s members and, ultimately, the electors of East Acton.”

She won a 63% vote share at the last election in May 2022, gaining more than 200 votes more than the second-placed Labour candidate. East Acton has long been considered a safe Labour ward, with the party winning comfortably ahead of the Conservatives. Liberal Democrat candidates finished behind the Green Party at the last election.

Cllr Crawford was formally welcomed to her new party this week at an event outside Ealing Town Hall, attended by Luke Taylor MP, London Assembly Member Hina Bokhari OBE, and a large group of Liberal Democrat local election candidates, members and supporters.

Luke Taylor addressed the gathering, while Hina Bokhari joined party activists in greeting Cllr Crawford as she posed for photographs on the Town Hall steps.

Cllr Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Opposition on Ealing Council, said the event reflected growing momentum for the party locally.

“In Ealing the momentum is growing,” he said. “Like Kate, many people across Ealing are disillusioned with Labour as they are closing ten children's centres, two adult day centres and our streets are left dirty whilst our taxes go up. The Lib Dems are ready to make gains from both Labour and the Tories this May.”

Local Lib Dem members welcome Cllr Crawford outside Ealing Town Hall

Cllr Crawford said her principles remained unchanged and emphasised her long record of community-focused work. Before entering politics, she spent a decade advocating for parents of children with special educational needs. During her time on the council, she has served on or chaired a wide range of committees, including Health & Adult Social Services Scrutiny, Planning, Licensing, Housing, Environment and Children’s Services.

“I have always sought to ensure that the council hears from the residents who are most in need,” she said. “I am looking forward to standing on my proud record of delivering for the people of Acton.”

Cllr Malcolm, who said he had known Cllr Crawford for more than twenty years, described her as “a hard-working and conscientious councillor and a consistent carers’ champion,” adding that he looked forward to working with her as part of the Liberal Democrat group.