ELECTION candidate Adrian Turner has ditched UKIP at the 11th hour to stand in next month’s Dudley Council elections as an independent.

Relationships between the Hayley Green and Cradley South runner and party officials had deteriorated and the former Conservative accused them of “failing to campaign as a team”.

Mr Turner, who switched to UKIP in January 2014, claimed the party was too centred around Sedgley and Dudley North where Cllr Bill Etheridge is ward councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate, as well as an MEP.

He said: “I don’t believe I could have stayed with them for four years and the only honourable thing I could do was to leave.”

Mr Turner, a former councillor, added: “I think I have a chance as an independent this year as, because it is also the General Election, the turnout will be higher than usual and I think I could pick up protest votes as the ‘none of the above’ choice.

“I have experience but I also offer voters the chance to have someone represent their area and not be bound by party rules and interference.”

Mr Turner said he was also concerned about UKIP leader Nigel Farage’s recent comments “scapegoating” HIV sufferers from abroad, which he feared could attract racists.

UKIP’s Dudley Council group leader Cllr Paul Brothwood said the resignation was expected describing it as “typical turncoat Turner”.

Mr Turner said he wrote his resignation letter on Easter Saturday and Cllr Brothwood said the party had a call from him quitting UKIP last Thursday, the deadline for nominations.

But he said “loyal and longstanding” UKIP member Michael Forsyth was waiting in the wings and his nomination was submitted in time.

Conservative candidate for Hayley Green and Cradley South Jeff Hill added: "UKIP in Halesowen is dogged by infighting and petty squabbles. Turner's decision to quit UKIP at the last possible moment before the elections shows he's more interested on scoring points than serving the community."