The former deputy leader of a Tory group has joined another party after their shock defection in February.

Elizabeth Turpin is now a member of Medway Council’s Independent Group after leaving the Tories on the day of the authority’s budget-setting meeting.

Cllr Turpin resigned from the Conservative Group, having been its deputy leader, saying it was down to disagreements about the direction of the group and an unwillingness to accept mistakes made when it ran the council.

She is one of three councillors representing Strood Rural, along with Conservatives Cllrs Gary Etheridge and John Williams.

The Independent Group is led by Cllr George Crozer, with Cllrs Ron Sands and Michael Pearce.

It is distinct from other independent councillors who have no formal group allegiance, such as Cllrs Chris Spalding, Satinder Shokar and Stephen Hubbard who are each independents and have no formal affiliation.

By being a formal group, members are entitled to sit on council committees, something councillors who are not in a group cannot do.

The Independent Group’s announcement said Cllr Turpin was one of three hard-working and passionate councillors for Strood Rural.

Welcoming her to the group, Cllr Crozer said: “Elizabeth will be a fantastic addition to The Independent Group and we will continue working together, now formally as a group on the council, for the benefit of Hoo Peninsula residents.”

Cllr Turpin said she shared a passion for the Hoo Peninsula with the group and was “delighted” to be invited to join The Independent Group.

She said: “Being an independent councillor for the area, I was delighted when George, Michael, and Ron asked if I would join The Independent Group.

“We hold many similar views, but most importantly, we’ve always shared a joint passion for the Hoo Peninsula.”

Cllr Turpin will now sit with The Independent Group during Full Council meetings and will be able to represent the group on committees.