A Kenilworth councillor has described his decision to leave the local Liberal Democrat group as "with a heavy heart".

Cllr Josh Payne has left the group at Warwick District Council and Kenilworth Town Council.

He is now standing as an independent councillor.

In a series of posts on social media, Cllr Payne said "philosophically, I remain a Liberal" and that the move was "easily avoidable".

"Going forward, I aim to fulfil the original plans I had when I stood: to advocate robustly for the area and to help individual residents," he said.

"Indeed, I am now more determined than ever to achieve these aims.

"The resignation is with a heavy heart.

"Since being elected, I have tried to achieve changes for local people and give them a fairer say.

"This remains my objective."

Cllr Payne's resignation leaves the Lib Dems with nine seats at WDC, behind the Greens who have 15.

At Kenilworth Town Council, there are six Lib Dems and now two independents. The rest of the council is made up of Green Party members.

Cllr Payne represents Borrowell on the town council, and Cubbington and Leek Wootton at the district level.

In his statement he did not go into detail about what had pushed him to leave the group.

But he continued: "Events over the last year have made me more determined than ever to uphold liberal values in my role: genuine respect for individuals, communities and recognition of hard work.

"The current sad situation was so easily avoidable.

"I shall now press forward, however, on an Independent basis, and allow residents in Cubbington & Leek Wootton ward to judge the outcome through the standard of support I provide them."

Nub News contacted the local Lib Dem group for comment.