Two Tories go Independent in Teignbridge

Two Conservative members of Teignbridge District Council in Devon have left the party to become Independents.

The Tories remain the largest single party with 22 councillors, but opposition members - Independents, Lib Dem and UKIP - now number 24.

The former Tory members are Joan Lambert in Kingsteignton, and Lorraine Evans in Chudleigh. Ms Evans said she had received "a lot of support".

The Conservatives took control of Teignbridge District Council in 2011.

Ms Evans said that in order to represent the people who elected her she felt she should not be a member of a party.

Ms Lambert and the Conservatives are yet to comment.

The opposition now numbers 13 Independents, 10 Liberal Democrats and one UKIP councillor.