Expelled councillor vows 'I will always be Labour'

A councillor says "everything about me, everything I do is Labour" despite being forced out of the party after more than 50 years.

Ricky Rogers, the only Labour voice on Wiltshire Council, was expelled from the party by its national executive committee (NEC) after forming a coalition with a independent councillor in a bid to bring motions forward for council consideration.

Representing his home ward of Fisherton and Bemerton in Salisbury since 1987, Rogers, who will now sit as an independent, said he was hoping the NEC would have "a bit of flexibility and understanding".

Labour Party spokesperson said the party "does not comment on its internal disciplinary processes".

For a motion to be put to council for consideration, it must be submitted by a group with at least two members.

After finding himself as the only Labour voice on the council following the 2025 local elections, Rogers formed the Salisbury Labour and Independents Group with Independent councillor John Wells.

"It meant I was a group leader. I had a place at the top table. It gave me the opportunity to say these are my values, this is how I want Wiltshire Council to change," said Rogers, who is also the council's longest serving councillor.

"It was to get the best deal for my supporters and my community," he added.

But entering a political group with a non-Labour councillor is a breach of the Labour Party rules. Rogers was asked by the party to reconsider his decision, but refused.

In August, after an investigation, the NEC concluded his party membership would be terminated, meaning Rogers can no longer say he represents the party.

Rogers said: "I am sad. I am absolutely positive in my mind that I did the right thing."

Rogers does not come from a political background, and initially joined the Labour Party in 1976, after the three-day-week meant he could not play football on a Saturday.

A carpenter and joiner by trade, he spent 55 years in the construction industry.

Rogers represents the Fisherton and Bemerton area of Salisbury. According to OFSTED, Bemerton is the most deprived area of Wiltshire.

It was recently awarded Pride of Place funding.

"I'm there for those who are a bit intimidated by authority, and they come to me.

I listen to their story and try to help. That's the ethos I've taken on public service," said Rogers.

While Rogers can no longer stand again for Labour and will be listed as an Independent, he said: "When I go away in my coffin at the end of my service I will be Labour, I'll always be Labour."

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