Surrey County councillor for Weybridge Ian Lake has quit the Conservative Party and plans to stand as an independent candidate at the next election.
The former Tory councillor and cabinet member for transport and environment announced his resignation on Twitter on Thursday, January 17.
Mr Lake tweeted: “Resigned from the Conservative Party and the Surrey Cty Conse've Group last night. After 25 years now Independent Cty Cllr for Weybridge.”
Mr Lake was suspended from his cabinet role last year after it came to light that he had registered a company in 2009 with fellow cabinet member Denise Saliagopoulos, but did not declare it until 2012.
David Hodge, leader of Surrey County Council, dismissed both councillors from the cabinet and said the matter was to be referred to the council’s standards committee.
Mr Lake told BBC Surrey last year he was “shocked and appalled” by the decision and hurt at the way it had been handled.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here