Devon councillor defects to Liberal Democrats

Devon Lib-Dems include: (L-R) Ian Roome MP, David Clayton, leader of North Devon District Council, Frank Biederman and Caroline Leaver, Devon County Council Lib-Dem group leader

The leader of the Independent group on Devon County Council is joining the Liberal Democrats, it has been announced.

Frank Biederman, member for Fremington Rural in north Devon, said he now wanted "to work with allies" on "getting things done".

Biederman said he was making the move so that people would know where he stood ahead of possible elections in May.

The decision means the Liberal Democrats now have 10 members, with 38 Conservatives, six Labour, three Independent, two Green and one non-specified on the authority.

'Team game'

Biederman said: "There are always new challenges coming down the line - new housing targets, and growing pressure on local services, for example.

"We cannot afford for local government to get these things so badly wrong.

"Everyone knows I'm a very independent spirit at heart - but getting things done is a team game, and I intend to work with allies."

Biederman is also a member of North Devon District Council, where he will also join its Liberal Democrat group.

Devon County Council has asked the government for permission to postpone this May's elections as part of local government reorganisation and a decision is expected imminently.