A Lib Dem councillor has quit the party to become an independent. Cllr Arthur Graves, who represents Junction Ward, will remain on the council for two years until the next election, when he will stand down.

It leaves the Town Hall opposition with just 12 members, compared with the ruling Labour group’s 34.

The fallout was the result of a disagreement over free parking spaces – a scheme brought in by Labour.

Cllr Graves opposed the decision saying it would encourage more drivers in the area – and it is thought that he felt unsupported by his party leadership.

The Lib Dem group decided not to excersise their right to call in the scheme for debate.

Cllr John Gilbert, chair of the Lib Dem group, said: “We would like to thank Arthur for the contribution he has made over the past two years as a Liberal Democrat councillor in Junction ward, especially his work on environmental issues.

“We agree on many more things than we disagree on.”