by Jenni Horn

Former Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Andy Stamp has resigned from the Liberal Democrat group.

Cllr Stamp, the youngest serving member of Medway Council, has now joined the Independent group in Medway.

His resignation follows an unsuccessful bid for Medway Lib Dem leadership, just days after his defeat in the general election, it has emerged. Cllr Stamp had already stood down as deputy leader.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Geoff Juby confirmed Cllr Stamp’s resignation, today, Friday, following days of rumours.

He said: "I don’t think he was too happy with the Lib Dem and Conservative coalition at a national level and he also sited other issues which he did not discuss with me.

"Cllr Stamp stood against me as leader and didn’t get it. I don’t know if that was something that had any bearing on his decision."

Cllr Juby said he was sad to see Cllr Stamp, who was the party's candidate in Gillingham and Rainham in last month's general election, leave the group.

He added: "I’m rather sad that we have lost him because I thought he was part of the future.

"I still hope he might change his mind and come back."

Cllr Stamp’s membership of the Independent group was formally announced to the council by its founder member, Cllr Ian Burt, at last night's full council meeting.

Cllr Stamp said afterwards: “There’s lots of sensitive issues involved. I don’t want to put my position in jeopardy. I cannot say any more at this stage.”

Independent group leader, Cllr Tony Goulden, said: “He is a young man of principle and great intellect. He will have to tell you his reasons himself.”

His move is expected to lead to a number of changes in the council’s committee structures in the run up to the local elections next May.