The Conservative Party's two Nottingham councillors have both confirmed they will stand as independents at this year's elections following a "divisive and unpleasant" row. Divisions remain among the local party's members after a dispute over the candidates being selected.
One of the two current Tory councillors, Roger Steel, was not chosen to stand for the Conservatives when the next Nottingham City Council elections take place on May 4. The decision came despite Councillor Steel having served as an elected Conservative member since 2011.
The other current Conservative councillor, Andrew Rule, said he would not stand for the party again in May in protest at the move. But rather than pulling out of the election altogether, Cllr Rule has confirmed that both he and Cllr Steel will instead stand as independent candidates.
