Lib Dem official leaves (From Swindon Advertiser)

Lib Dem official leaves

A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has resigned from the party.

Coun Michael Dickinson (Central) will become an independent member of Swindon Council.

"This is one momentous change for me after six years in the Liberal Democrats," he said.

Coun Dickinson, who was first elected in 2000, said that he had no plans to leave the council, had not requested to join any other political group and had no plans to do so.

He used to be a member of the Conservative Party before he joined the Liberal Democrats.

The move leaves the Lib Dems with six seats. The ruling Tories have 33 and Labour 19.

Coun Chris Shepherd, leader of the Lib Dems, said it was a shame Coun Dickinson had left but thought he would rejoin once he had calmed down.