A CONSERVATIVE councillor says he is running as an independent in another ward this year as a “practice run”.

Jason Luty, who is currently a Conservative councillor for Eastwood Park ward, will be standing in the May elections as an independent candidate in Westborough.

He says this is a “dry run” in preparation to challenging independent group leader, Martin Terry, whose term as an independent councillor in the Westborough ward comes to an end in 2011.

Mr Luty expects Tory Mel Day to win May’s elections because of national support for the Conservatives, but will use this experience as a practice run.

Mr Luty said: “Ultimately because of the general election I expect Mel Day to win.

“Tania Painton is the current councillor for Westborough. Her term comes to an end this year and whether she will stand, we don’t know yet.”

Martin Terry said: “I can confirm I am up for election in 2011.

“However, I don’t care when Jason Luty wants to challenge me because I am quite confident I can defeat him.

“I think this because the Independents in Southend have already overtaken the Labour Party and we are the fastest-growing political group on the council.”