A councillor has quit his party and gone independent - less than a fortnight after being elected as a Liberal Democrat candidate. Coun Aron Thornley was one of three Lib Dems returned in the Marple South and High Lane at Stockport council’s ‘all out’ local elections on May 4.
He polled the second highest number of votes in the ward, playing his part in a successful campaign which saw the group take 30 seats in all - just two shy of the number needed to form a majority and take control of the town hall. But he has now stunned colleagues by announcing his decision to resign from the party and stand as an independent for the remainder of his term.
Coun Thornley is refusing to be drawn on the reasons for his departure - insisting his conversations with the group will remain confidential. Coun Mark Hunter, leader of the Lib Dem group, has urged Coun Thornley to explain his decision to voters, following a meeting with his one-time ally.
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