Kent has seen its second political defection this week with the Conservatives being the beneficiaries.

Cllr David Knight has switched sides after resigning from the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA) during the summer.

Although initially sitting as an independent at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), he decided to join the Tories, claiming only the main parties can meet the challenges faced by the authority and the country.

Cllr Knight, who is vice chairman of Goudhurst Parish Council, said he wanted to work with a party that could deliver across the whole borough and wider Weald.

At TWBC, the Liberal Democrats now have 20 seats, Conservative eight, Labour five, the Tunbridge Wells Alliance three and one independent.

Cllr Knight, 68, who runs a fire and security business, said: “My priority has always been to deliver results for our local residents, such as the fibre broadband roll-out in Goudhurst.

"After much careful thought, I believe I can best continue to deliver results by joining the Conservatives and working with a team that shares my focus on safer streets, value for money for taxpayers, and protecting the character of our towns and villages."

Another reason for joining the Conservatives lay in the upcoming local government reorganisation which will see TWBC abolish itself and become part of a much larger unitary authority, probably with other west Kent councils.

Cllr Knight added: "The Conservatives at TWBC have a real understanding of what the council needs to deliver between now and the formation of a unitary authority in complete contrast to the Liberal Democrats.

"I am grateful to all my colleagues that I have worked with before and wish them well. This is about delivering better results and putting our residents first.”

Cllr Tom Dawlings, leader of the Conservative Group, said: “I have known David for many years and I’m delighted to welcome him to the party. He brings energy, experience and a determination to get things done.

"Together we will continue our work on protecting the heritage of our villages, delivering vital council services, and ensuring the council listens to residents.”

William Rutherford, chairman of the Tunbridge Wells Conservatives, said: “David’s decision reflects a growing desire for constructive, common-sense leadership. We look forward to supporting him as part of our Conservative team.

“It is only the Conservatives who will provide effective action, not just words when it comes to protecting our local villages."

Cllr Knight will be working together with Cllr's Tom Mobbs and Lynne Darrah, on the key priorities including protect green spaces, tackling anti-social behaviour, backing small businesses and delivering value for money.

Former TWA colleague Cllr Matt Sankey said: "I agree there was no argument but when David left he said he was going independent and then joined the Tories.

"We [the TWA] had a verbal pact that if anyone left, we would hold a by-election which he hasn't."