A DEFECTING councillor has blamed the "Punch and Judy" antics by members of Wiltshire's Liberal Democrat party for his decision to switch sides.

Peter Colmer (pictured), Wiltshire councillor for Cricklade, Latton and Marston Meysey, was elected to the unitary authority under the Lib Dem flag three years ago.

But last year he left the group to become independent because he said he was fed up with the behaviour of fellow Lib Dem members.

"I didn't like their Punch and Judy antics and Westminster type sledges, especially in the arena of health and adult social care - using the most vulnerable in our society as a political football. That's not what I became a councillor for," he said. "Whatever flag they come under, councillors should be doing what's best for the community and Westminster style politics should be left to Westminster."

Lib Dem leader Cllr Jon Hubbard said he felt strongly that it was the job of councillors to point out what is wrong in the council and administration.

He said: "If Peter thinks spending £28m on plush new offices is more important than addressing the needs of vulnerable people in our society then he has gone to the right place."

As an independent member, Cllr Colmer was not able to regain his seat on the health and adult social care committee but said joining the Conservative Group had provided the opportunity to do that.

Cllr Colmer has now been nominated to represent the Conservative party in next year's elections for the Cricklade, Latton and Marston Meysey ward.

Wiltshire Council leader Cllr Jane Scott (By Brook, Conservative) welcomed Cllr Colmer to the Conservative Group.

She said: "I know him as an excellent local councillor who works hard for his community."