The leader of Thanet council has accused a former colleague of making an emotional decision to defect from Ukip and join an independent group.

Cllr Jeff Elenor, who represents Margate Central on Thanet council and is also a county councillor, said he had quit the party because he was unhappy about the lack of progress over a decision on the former Manston airport.

But Cllr Wells said he was disappointed at the news.

"It is not ideal but if the intention was to force a change, it is not going to.

"I find it remarkable that so many people from Sir Roger Gale down, can permit emotion rather than logic and common sense to cloud their judgement at such a vital time.

"I too want to see the airport back in action but I have to take account of the potential damage that would occur to the airfield, to the council and the whole area if that decision is wrong."

"I find it remarkable that so many people...can permit emotion rather than logic and common sense to cloud their judgement at such a vital time." - Ukip council leader Chris Wells

He added: "We shall be debating this issue at a special cabinet meeting on October 29 when all the evidence will be available to make a decision, not the fluff and hot air of PR paraphernalia."

The defection means that Ukip now has 28 out of 6 councillors just months after it secured an historic victory by taking outright control of a council for the first time.

Cllr Elenor, who joined Nigel Farage's party in 2008, said: "I was concerned by the lack of action with the compulsory purchase order (CPO) but it was not an easy decision to make. I have been with the party for a long time but the issue of the airport became so important.

He is married to Mo Elenor, also a county councillor. She is understood to be staying with Ukip.