TWO disillusioned town councillors have announced plans to abandon Canvey Independent Party ahead of May’s elections.

Joan Liddiard and Liz Swann will both contest seats with no party affiliation in upcoming borough and town council votes.

The pair have criticised the Canvey Independent Party for its failure to work with ruling Tories in the borough and claim the group had “lost its way”.

The party has instead sought an alliance with Ukip.

In a joint statement, they said: “We both joined the Canvey Independent Party to fight for what would be best for the island.

“At first things went well and we both became town councillors and Joan a borough councillor as well.

“However, of late we feel the party has lost its way.”

They have accused the party’s leader, Dave Blackwell, of failing to consult with members when refusing to work with Tories on Castle Point Council, claiming the party was offered three seats on the council’s cabinet, but Mr Blackwell refused because he felt he could not work with Tories.

They said: “The offer was refused without consulting the membership, and so Canvey lost its votes in the cabinet.

“With the coming election, Mr Blackwell has taken the party into an alliance with Ukip, again without consulting the membership.”

Mrs Liddiard, of Maurice Road, and Mrs Swann, of Haven Road, said they were both inspired by the example of Colin Letchford, who was elected to Castle Point Council as an independent after a by-election last year.

Mr Letchford said: “They both know they will be given a hard time by the Canvey Independent Party asIhave been, and I was not even a member.

“Bravely Joan and Liz have put principle and service to residents above party.

“Joan and Liz both have previous experience as councillors and have served their residents well.”

Ten of the 11 elected town councillors belong to the Canvey Independent Party, but the group cannot achieve a majority on Castle Point Council because it only contests wards on the island.

Mr Blackwell said: “It is just not true to say they have left us because of Ukip.

“We won’t be joining anybody and we will stay representing the people of Canvey.

“All we have said is if Ukip win seats in Benfleet, we would consider going into coalition with them.

“We held a members’ meeting and everyone was 100 per cent in favour.”

The independent candidates have pledged all councillors should resign and seek re-election if they change their party allegiance.