A LABOUR councillor is quitting the party over hikes in personal allowances. Andy Harrison insists councillors are wrong to award themselves a rise, as reported in the Advertiser last week.

And in a personal attack on the party leader, he branded Coun Kevin Small a "lame duck".

Coun Harrison, who has represented Penhill residents since 2003, insists he is taking the moral high ground.

He said: "I am absolutely disgusted at the whole idea of increasing councillors' personal allowances at a time when we are telling the public that we have to all tighten our belts."

The married dad-of-one, who lives in Penhill, put forward a motion on Monday to freeze allowances for three years.

But fellow Labour councillors vetoed the motion, sparking rumours of a rift in party ranks.

The 44-year-old said he was left with no option but to resign.

"This is a matter of principle," he said. "I am working class born and bred in Penhill and my job is to serve the people of this ward and Swindon.

"We are facing large cuts in services and it is not the right time for councillors to be thinking about their back pockets."

Coun Small, who was re-appointed leader in May, strongly denies suggestions of a rift.

He says the debate taken privately at the Civic meeting was open and fair.

"I do not want to give much credence to Andy's comments," said Coun Small.

"It is a well-known fact that he has never been a supporter of mine and was disappointed when the group decided to reappoint me as leader.

"But I thought the disagreements had been settled a long time ago. I am disappointed that he feels this way about the issue of council allowances but he is in the minority."

Coun Mike Bawden, leader of the Conservative party, last night declined to talk about the rift, insisting it remains an issue for the Labour camp.

He defended the overall 18.65 per cent rise to personal allowances, which have been set by the Swindon Independent Remuneration Panel.

But the council leader thinks the Government should take overall charge of allowances.

"It would stop this debate taking place," said Coun Bawden.

"I believe in democracy and Coun Harrison is entitled to make his comments."

Coun Harrison intends to become an independent representative. He will consider making a donation to a Penhill community group if forced to take the rise.