A FORMER Conservative member of Dudley Council’s cabinet has crossed a political boundary to sign up for UKIP.

Adrian Turner quit the Tories late last year shortly after the resignation from the party of his parents, both serving members of Dudley Council.

Mr Turner lost his seat on the council in 2012 having served on the cabinet in a number of roles including housing, personnel and transport while the authority was under Conservative control.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining UKIP. I have spent years trying to fight for my principles from within the Conservative party but have decided that the party is no longer suitable for people with ideals who are keen to work for their communities.

“With UKIP I have a great opportunity to stand up for what I believe and offer honest representation to the people of Dudley.”

As he welcomed his latest recruit ahead of campaigning for council elections later this year, the chairman of Dudley and Halesowen UKIP, Bill Etheridge, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Adrian to the team. He is well known as somebody who speaks his mind and has strong opinions at the same time as being a good local councillor who really cares about his constituents.”

Mr Etheridge added he expected Mr Turner to stand as a UKIP candidate in May's elections, but would not give any clues as to which council ward he would be fighting.