Conservative quits party over 'decline in standards'

A Conservative borough councillor fired a parting shot at his party as he handed in his resignation.

Andy Edyvean, who was once deputy leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, is now listed as an independent in his ward in Bunny, Nottinghamshire, on the council's website.

In an email to colleagues, Edyvean said he took the "difficult decision" over a "worrying decline in the standards" at a council he "was proud to serve".

Council leader Neil Clarke - who Evydean said had "failed to show leadership" - told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he "refuted it all".

In his email Edyvean wrote: "As a lifelong Conservative voter, this has been a very difficult decision, and I truly hope that the party can improve its position and regain trust with the British people.

"At a local level, I have observed many failings and have seen a fall in standards that should have been unthinkable."

Clarke said: "I'm disappointed that he is making these comments and I am saddened by the fact that he has taken the decision to leave the Conservative group.

"He has not told me he's upset or disappointed with me. This has come as a surprise."

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