A Kirklees councillor has split from his group and refused to rule out joining Labour.

Holme Valley North Independent Edgar Holroyd-Doveton is one of three independent councillors in a coalition with Kirklees Green Party.

But Clr Holroyd-Doveton, who was re-elected to his seat last May, has said he is no longer part of what was the seven-strong Green And Valley Independents.

Speaking to the Examiner he said he had become disillusioned with the group’s policies and budget amendments.

Hints of a disagreement where hinted when Clr Holroyd-Doveton voted against his own group at last week’s Kirklees Council budget setting meeting.

He then backed the ruling Labour group, helping them to secure a majority vote for their cost cutting plan.

Clr Holroyd-Doveton said he disagreed with the group’s main proposal at the budget, to cut councillors by one third and hold fewer elections.

And he said he felt they were not representing his ward, mostly focussing on the Newsome area where the Green party holds power.

He said: “The focus of the group wasn’t representative of the Valleys.

“I wasn’t supportive of this year’s budget amendment which focussed on changing governance.

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“I feel that’s a national policy so it’s putting the cart before the house somewhat.

“I was unhappy with the budget amendment last year too, which didn’t take into account interests in the Valleys.

“There’s an over concentration on the Newsome ward.”

Clr Holroyd-Doveton, who was first elected in 2011 unseating Lib Dem David Woodhead, said he was keeping his options open and could continue as an independent.

He said: “At the end of the day what I’m looking for is to see what would be in the interest of the communities I represent.”

Independent Clr Charles Greaves, said it would be “wrong” for Clr Holroyd-Doveton to join Labour or any other political party as he had been elected as an independent.

Clr Charles Greaves

He said he should stand down and trigger a by-election if he intended to do so.

And he said there was no issue with him voting against the group as they had always said free votes were allowed without sanction – unlike the other political parties.

Said Clr Greaves: “He needs to be true to the basis on which he was elected by the people. I don’t think he will join another party. If he thinks that will help anybody he’s wrong.”

Clr Greaves said the Valley Independents group would now be disbanded but he and fellow Holme Valley North independent, Clr Terry Lyons, would continue their alliance with the Greens.

He added: “Neither me nor Terry are concerned about it. Both of us have a good standing, people know who we are. We don’t need a label.

“I don’t think it will affect the work we do locally, although it may affect what we do at the town hall.

“But as far as I’m concerned the three of us are still working together.”

Kirklees Green Party leader, Clr Andrew Cooper, did not wish to comment on the matter.