A DISENCHANTED former Stourbridge Conservative campaigner has become the driving force behind a new local branch of a growing grassroots movement pushing for Britain to leave the EU.

John Milner, of Brook Street, had campaigned on behalf of Stourbridge Conservatives since he was a young lad and his uncle Horace Reginald Stephens (known as Steve) was the town's Mayor.

But - harbouring an ever-increasing wish to see Britain quit the EU - 67-year-old professional magician Mr Milner promptly withdrew his membership after new laws were introduced requiring landlords check the immigration status of tenants.

Mr Milner, who owns several properties which he rents out, believes the Government should be doing more to combat the problem of illegal immigrants in Britain and he told Stourbridge MP Margot James: "If the border control can't do it how can you expect us to do it? And we can be fined as well if we make a mistake. I don't think this is on at all."

The issue prompted him to join the Leave.eu movement and before he knew it he'd become leader of the Stourbridge group who were out campaigning in the town on Saturday (February 20).

He said: "I'm very anti EU and I thought somebody ought to do something.

"I believe we need to leave the European Union so that we will once more be in control of our own destiny as a nation. We need control of our borders back and all our laws, so our laws are supreme - and the majority of people I talk to seem to be in agreement.

"My father Gerald Milner who opened a grocery shop in Brook Street, Stourbridge, in 1931, was away fighting for our freedom for four-and-a-half years during the war and would be turning in his grave at the mess that David Cameron is making of this country.”

Mr Milner stressed he's "not against immigration", adding: "I've welcomed many immigrants into Brook Street and they're still my friends now but we're getting far too many immigrants now and far too quickly."

Stourbridge MP Margot James said she was "sorry to see John Milner leave the party" but she is in favour of the new rules requiring landlords check tenants have the right to live in Britain before they let a property.

She said: "The government cannot do everything, passing laws is necessary but not enough to bear down on illegal immigration. We all have to take some responsibility, particularly those - like health professionals and landlords - who are more likely to encounter people who do not have the right to reside in the UK."

And on the EU referendum, which has now been scheduled to take place on June 23, Ms James said she would be trying to persuade "as many constituents as possible to support Britain's continued membership".

She said: "I am in favour of Britain's continued membership of the EU for three main reasons: economic prosperity, greater security and influence abroad.

"Britain is better off in Europe. Britain is safer in Europe. And in Europe, Britain has greater global influence. I believe the Prime Minister has secured a good deal for Britain, and I will be joining him and my colleagues across the political spectrum in campaigning for us to remain in the EU."

The next meeting of the Stourbridge Leave.eu group, which Mr Milner stresses is "non-political", will feature a visit from guest speaker Caroline Stephens - head of training at Leave.eu.

It will take place at The Garibaldi Inn, Cross Street, Stourbridge, on Tuesday March 1 at 7pm.