An independent councillor, who sparked anger when he formed an alliance with the Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County Council, has left the group.
Independent Simon Ring, who represents Freebridge Lynn, choose to sit with the Liberal Democrat Alliance opposition group at County Hall within days of his election last September.
It was a move that sparked criticism from political opponents.
He said then that he had joined that alliance because his predecessor John Crofts, the Lib Dem councillor whose death triggered the by-election, would have wanted him to sit with his former party colleagues.
But Mr Ring has now left that alliance to join councillors Ed Maxfield and Jim Moriarty as part of the Independent group.
Mr Ring said: "From the outset of my campaign, I promised to honour John’s memory by continuing the important work he had begun during his all-too-brief time as a county councillor.
"In keeping with that commitment, I chose to sit with the Liberal Democrat group at County Hall, helping to maintain their role as principal opposition.
"Throughout this time, [Lib Dem leader] Brian Watkins and his colleagues consistently respected my independence.
"They never pressured me to join their party or to vote with them at full council. My voting record reflects that independence."
READ MORE: Norfolk County Council votes to ask for 2025 election axe
Mr Ring, also deputy leader at West Norfolk Council, said: "It has always been my intention—once I had fulfilled my commitment to John or at the time of re-election—to align formally with other independent councillors. This week should have marked that election.
"Sadly, the current administration chose to delay the democratic process, fearing the consequences of a public vote.
"Their decision to deny the people of Norfolk the opportunity to have their say is deeply disappointing and, in my view, a disservice to democracy.
"Having completed the work John began, and with the Liberal Democrats remaining the likely main opposition group without my support, I have decided now is the appropriate time to sit alongside my fellow Independents.
"My commitment is, and always will be, to the people of Freebridge Lynn and to principled, independent representation at County Hall."
Ahead of the Marshland North by-election result, the political make-up of Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council is: Conservatives 53, Liberal Democrats 10, Labour 9, Greens four, Independents three, non-aligned Independents three, Reform UK one and one vacancy.
Share