A FORMER Lye councillor has ditched UKIP at the 11th hour to stand in the Dudley Council elections as an independent.

Relationships between Adrian Turner and party officials had deteriorated and the former Conservative accused them of “failing to campaign as a team”.

Mr Turner, who switched to UKIP in January 2014, claimed the party was too centred around Sedgley and Dudley North where Cllr Bill Etheridge is ward councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate, as well as an MEP.

He said: “The only honourable thing I could do was to leave.”

Mr Turner, who is standing in the Hayley Green and Cradley South ward, added: “I think I have a chance as an independent this year as, because it is also the General Election, the turnout will be higher than usual and I think I could pick up protest votes as the ‘none of the above’ choice.

“I have experience but I also offer voters the chance to have someone represent their area and not be bound by party rules and interference.”

Mr Turner said he was also concerned about UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s comments “scapegoating” HIV sufferers from abroad, which he feared could attract racists.

UKIP’s Dudley Council group leader Cllr Paul Brothwood said the resignation was expected and described it as “typical turncoat Turner”.

Cllr Brothwood said “loyal and longstanding” UKIP member Michael Forsyth was now taking up the baton for the party in Hayley Green and Cradley South.