THE former leader of the Liberal Democrats at East Hampshire District Council has now left the party.

Philip Drury said that his decision to become an Independent councillor was "for private reasons". He remains in place as councillor for Whitehill's Hogmoor ward.

Following a series of defections, the Liberal Democrats now have just two seats on the district council, held by Whitehill councillors Chris Wherrell and Zoya Faddy.

For full story, see this week's Bordon Herald.