HS2 prompts Tories' move to join UKIP
Three councillors have defected from the Conservatives to join UKIP after becoming disillusioned with David Cameron's party.
District councillors John Bernard and his wife Ann and parish councillor Alan Dean have switched allegiance, citing high profile controversies HS2 and the bedroom tax.
Mr and Mrs Bernard, members for Hawks Green on Cannock Chase Council, have represented the Conservatives as district councillors since 2007 and 2000 respectively.
The couple are now launching UKIP's first Cannock Chase branch, together with Heath Hayes and Wimblebury parish councillor Mr Dean and his wife Margaret.
In a joint statement, the two couples said: "We have always been proud to be 'working Conservatives' achieving for our local community, but we have found it increasingly difficult to justify the effects of decisions made within Parliament that are having an effect on our local community.
"We will continue our work within the community but with the policies of the UK Independence Party, who we are now proud to say we represent."
Mr Bernard, who is also chairman of both Norton Canes and Heath Hayes and Wimblebury parish councils, added: "UKIP has got the same policies as the Tories had at the beginning but the Tories are not following them through.
"I have voted with the Tories for over 43 years, but I have become disillusioned with the party.
"I don't agree with HS2, I am not happy with the so-called bedroom tax and the final straw was putting Heath Hayes and Norton Canes primary schools into compulsory academy status."
West Midlands UKIP MEP Mike Nattrass welcomed the group to the party. He said: "All over the country we have had many defections to UKIP.
"This is something which is ongoing and our membership is going through the roof."
