A SENIOR councillor is leaving the Labour Party saying she can 'no longer stand by when at national level the party obfuscates while the future of Britain lies in the balance and cries out for strong, principled leadership'.

Cllr Kate Wheller, who sits on both Weymouth Town Council and Dorset Council, said: "This action gives me no pleasure and it may not be forever.

"My core values and beliefs in working to create a fairer society where people of all backgrounds and ethnicities have equal opportunities have not changed.

"These are the values I have believed in and fought for all my life and they remain as strong. Leaving the Labour Party doesn’t change my principles but it enables me to concentrate on the needs of the community without the distraction of national and local politicking.

"I do not wish to hurt the Labour Party in any way. Many members are friends whom I respect. However, I can no longer stand by and watch when at national level the party obfuscates while the future of Britain lies in the balance and cries out for strong, principled leadership.

"Nor can I ignore the fact that when the Tory leadership of the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council was riding rough-shod over the wishes of the people of the town the South Dorset Labour Party failed to grasp the chance to gain more seats.

"The Leader and Deputy Leader of Dorset Council, Cllr Spencer Flower and Cllr Peter Wharf, have assured me of their continuing support of my role as Chairman of the Harbours Committee and other positions. I am grateful to them both for the understanding they have shown as I came to my decision, which allows me especially to continue the work now under way to benefit harbour users in Weymouth , Bridport and Lyme Regis.

"I would like to thank voters for the support they have always shown me and hope that they will continue to show that friendship and support as I go forward as an independent member. And I would assure them that I will continue to support them as best I can as a truly independent independent."