HASLEMERE Town Council received a direct hit from one of its members this week, when former Conservative Simon Drake switched allegiance to become an independent, protesting it had become “too political”.

Conservatives held all 18 seats on the town council in the May 15 elections, despite the best efforts of 12 independent candidates, six Lib Dems and one Green. Mr Drake, who represents Haslemere South, was one of eight new members elected.

In a hard-hitting letter to The Herald, he wrote that when the “newbies” campaigned for votes, it was on the basis “we had a real opportunity to make a difference”.

But he had found the “harassment” from local Conservative Party officers made it impossible for him to represent the best interests of residents.

In a reference to the town council’s decision to raise its share of council tax by almost 18 per cent for 2016/17, he wrote: “The continual lack of desire to reform what is in my opinion a financially wasteful council is shocking.”

Speaking to The Herald this week, Mr Drake said it had been a difficult decision.

“I’m sad, because it was a real opportunity for change when new members were elected, but it’s still too ‘old school’ and cliquey,” he said. “I manage the Blue Boar Bar in Westminster, which is a political hub.

“Being in daily contact with MPs there, reinforces my belief that what we do in Haslemere should not be political and no political pressure should be applied on town councillors to toe the line.

“As an independent Conservative town councillor, I will not have to bow to any outside pressure from the Conservative Party. I’ve been told it’s a brave move but I have a thick skin and I didn’t join the council to add Facebook friends. I joined because it needs fresh blood.”