A FORMER Labour councillor has teamed up with controversial politician Kerry Smith.

Daniel Munyambu, who represents Vange ward, has joined Basildon’s Independence group – set up by the former Ukip leader.

Mr Smith was forced to resign from Ukip because of racist and homophobic slurs.

He is leader of the newlyformed group, while Mr Munyambu will become his deputy.

Former Ukip councillor Imelda Clancy, Mr Smith’s mum, is also a member.

Mr Munyambu, who was first elected in 2011, previously stood alone as an independent councillor after being kicked out of the Independent Labour group at the beginning of December for secretly joining the national Conservative Party.

He had quit Labour twomonths earlier, claiming he had been treated unfairly and was seeking legal advice.

Mr Munyambu was suspended from the Labour party nationally more than two years ago as he is facing fraud charges in his native Kenya in connection with a car export business run from his home in Clickett End, Basildon.

He said: “I am very happy now, and me and Kerry are going to work together as a team.

“Politics is like the weather, and we have to be ready for change so we can move on with out political careers.

“I love my constituents so much and I lovemy role as a councillor, but I have had to deal with a lot of backstabbing.

“Things will be a lot more settled for me now. When we are in a team, we’re able to share views and opinions.”

Mr Smith also shrugged off concerns about their apparent political differences.

He added: “We approached each other. Daniel has a good reputation for helping people in Vange, and that’s exactly what this group is all about.

“This group is independent of politics.

“You can be a lone sheep or band together to find the best way to help constituents.”

The Echo announced last week Mr Smith, former Ukip parliamentary candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock, will now stand as an independent in the general election.