A Conservative councillor in Preston has resigned from her party.
Councillor Lona Smith, who represents the Preston Rural North ward, has given notice to the city’s Tory group.
An email from Preston City Council interim chief executive Adrian Phillips announced the decision to councillors and key council officers on Wednesday (25 July).
Cllr Smith says she intends to sit as an independent Conservative for the rest of her time as a councillor.
Conservative group leader in Preston councillor Neil Cartwright said: “My colleagues and I thank Lona for the work she has done over the past few years.
“I know she intended to stand down fully from the Council next year and I understand and respect her decision to become an independent until next May.”
The city is due to see an ‘all-out’ election in May next year when new ward boundaries come into force.
This triggers an election for every seat on the city council.
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Labour currently holds a majority on the city council after increasing its number of councillors in the latest council elections in May.
Blog Preston has contacted both councillor Smith for comment.