The mayor of Deal has resigned from the Labour Party to join the Liberal Democrats.

Deryck Murray, a Deal councillor since 2002, officially announced the move on Easter Monday.

It came a week after he refused to comment to a Mercury reporter on rumours he was leaving the left wing group.

He said: “I regard the Liberal Democrats as the sensible party with a conscience. Family tradition kept me in Labour, but we must look to the future and I think the Liberal Democrats are the progressive force that can make a difference locally and nationally.”

Indian born Dr Murray, of Church Lane, Deal, is currently serving his second period as mayor.

He added: “The Liberal Democrats have had a fabulous influence on this government and made it more compassionate and humane.

“Locally neither Labour nor the Conservatives can make a difference. Some Labour councillors rarely read the papers for council meetings. Local Conservatives waste time and public money making silly complaints that aren’t upheld.

“The local Liberal Democrats have impressive, capable people and our town is worse off for not having more of them on the council. I hope they will be on the council soon.”

Both Liberal Democrat campaigner Antony Hook and parliamentary candidate Sarah Smith have welcomed Cllr Murray on board.

Mr Hook said: “We are very pleased to welcome Deryck Murray to the Liberal Democrats. He is dedicated to the people of Deal. The Labour Party trades on the past but has no vision.

"We hope that many more people who have previously supported Labour will help Liberal Democrats build a brighter future for Deal.”

Mrs Smith added: “I am delighted that Deal now has a Liberal Democrat mayor. I am looking forward to campaigning with Cllr Murray. I know that he particularly cares about Deal Hospital and local services, and so do I. When I am elected, I will be able to work with him for the benefit of local people.”

For reactions on Cllr Murray's move, see the East Kent Mercury, out on Thursday.