A CONSERVATIVE councillor from Silloth has resigned from the group on Allerdale - citing 'recent failings' of Prime Minister Boris Johnson as one of his reasons.

Councillor Owen Martin, who represents Silloth and the Solway Coast on Allerdale Borough Council, released a statement on Wednesday informing the public of his resignation from the Conservative Group on the council.

He said that the 'recent failings of the Prime Minister and others' as well as being told which way to vote on Allerdale, had brought him to his decision.

Mr Martin will continue to sit on the council as an independent councillor and said he understood that electors who voted because of 'party affiliation' may not be happy with the decision.

In a statement, the councillor said: "My time has come to resign from the Conservative group at Allerdale. My decision has been a while in the making and recent failing of our Prime Minister plus others have lead me to make a final decision to leave.

"I joined local politics to make a difference to those I represent, to make informed decisions based on what the people want or what I felt was the best for the area.

"So being told what way to vote was alien to me joining a party, following the whip.

"I have chosen to stay on the council as an independent councillor, now not everyone will be happy with this of course. As some electors will have voted for me because of my party affiliation.

"But I do hope most people voted for me as I would be the best person for the job.

"I will continue to represent my constituents to the best of my ability."