An independent has joined the Conservatives – taking their councillor count to within one of the ruling Labour group.

Cllr Leslie Pearton, who has represented Higham Ward for more than 12 years, has decided to move ahead of the upcoming elections.

He made the decision due to what he sees as the "poor running" of Gravesham council.

He said: "I was elected by the people of Higham to achieve the very best for my residents, but this has become increasingly harder.

"Over the past few years, I have worked tirelessly for Higham, standing up against all inappropriate development in our village and I have concluded the only way to protect our greenbelt and to keep our village as a village, is for the Conservatives to be in control of Gravesham council.

"Their councillors have continually backed me and the people of Higham on planning issues, and they have persistently spoken out against the Labour group’s destruction of our green space and the wasting of public money.

"That is why I am pleased to be joining them and will be seeking re-election in May on a Conservative ticket.

"I remain fully committed to my residents, and will continue to represent them to the very best of my ability.”

Cllr Jordan Meade, leader of the Conservative group, said: "I am thrilled he has decided to join us.

"Leslie is a hard-working and dedicated councillor who has done a sterling job in standing-up for Higham.

"I look forward to working with him to challenge Labour's poor track record of running the council and to protect our green space across Gravesham."

The move means Labour has 22 seats, while the Conservatives have 21. There remains a single independent councillor.