Former mayor quits as party leader

The former mayor of Kidderminster has suddenly quit as leader of the second largest political group on Wyre Forest District Council after 11 years.

Councillor Howard Martin made the shock announcement today saying "irreconcilable differences" were to blame.

He said they were between himself and some senior party members.

He has been a member of the Independent Community and Health Concern (ICHC) party for 11 years and its leader for four years.

Councillor Martin, who was also Kidderminster's Mayor up until last Friday, said he intended to retain his Broadwaters seat on the district council but would now sit as an independent.

But he admitted the situation may not be sustainable in the long-term and would be considering the future carefully.

Councillor Martin's decision once again changes the district's political landscape just weeks after the local elections.

The ICHC lost two seats to the Tories in the polls leaving them with eight. Today's announcement reduces their numbers further to seven.

Councillor Martin had retained the Broadwaters seat for the party at the election.

He refused to reveal the full reasons behind his decision to quit the party but admitted to a behind-the-scenes rift.

"With immediate effect I have severed all ties with the ICHC. There are irreconcilable differences between me and some senior party members," he said.

"These concern matters of internal policy and organisation which make it impossible for me to continue as either party leader or a member.

"For 11 years I have given unquestioned support and loyalty to the party."

"When I asked for that support and loyalty to be returned on a small matter of principal it was, sadly, not forthcoming."