AN East Riding councillor has officially left the Independent group.

Pocklington Provincial Ward councillor Andy Strangeway has left the group, based at County Hall, Beverley, after he declined to attend one of its meetings to discuss letters received from the chief executive and the deputy leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

A letter from the group said: “We would like to express serious concerns appertaining to your blog and how this may impact upon the reputation of your fellow group members.

“Our particular concern relates to your negative comments, made in the public domain, about officers of this authority, where they have no means of redress.

“This group expects that each of its members shows respect to all employees of this council.”

In a statement, Mr Strangeway said: “Cllr Strangeway has no blog. The blog of Andy Strangeway clearly states: ‘Opinions and statements published on the Andy Strangeway Independent blog are those of the owner, Andy Strangeway, private individual, and not those of Councillor Andy Strangeway, elected member of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.’

“As an Independent, I do not have to take any advice. I cannot and will not be whipped. My public actions are always thought out and accorded careful consideration.

“My commitment is to Pocklington Provincial residents, the law of the land and the Nolan Principles.”