AN OUTSPOKEN councillor has resigned from his group.

Southend councillor Dr Marimuthu Velmurugan, who represents Westborough Ward, resigned from the independent group on Saturday.

The Echo understands the GP resigned in an emotional email to the leaders of each party and the chief executive after being invited to join the South Essex Homes Task and Finish Working Party or the Youth Working Party.

He will sit on his own at council meetings from Tuesday.

Dr Velmurugan could not be reached for comment.