A COUNCILLOR who defected from Ukip to Labour has quit his new party after just five months.

Jack Parsons, who represents Clacton’s St Paul’s ward on Tendring Council, jumped ship to Labour in December, claiming Ukip was a “spent force”.

But has now announced that he has quit his new party to become an independent.

He said: “It is with great regret that I have decided to leave the Labour Party.

“After discussions with group leader Ivan Henderson, I decided that an amicable parting of ways is the best way for everyone involved.

“It has become apparent to me that whilst I was welcomed into Labour with open arms by the group on Tendring Council, members of the Clacton Labour Party were clearly not happy with my transition.

“I do not feel comfortable calling Labour my home.

“I will continue to support the Labour group on the council as they are hard working and honest.

“However, I will no longer be officially with the group.”

A spokesperson for the East of England Labour Party confirmed that Mr Parsons was no longer a member of the party, but did not comment further on the situation.