A CONSERVATIVE councillor has quit his party to join the Yorkshire Party.

Councillor Mike Jordan, who has served on Selby District Council since 2007, defected after a row over the Government's position on the One Yorkshire devolution deal.

He said: "I am a Yorkshireman through and through and I feel the Government is not doing Yorkshire the justice it deserves.

"Whilst I have respect for many in the Conservative Party, I think more and more people will come to recognise the fact (as they have in Scotland) that you need to have a strong clear brand representing your area that knows what you are instantly about. The Yorkshire Party is a young party but it is obvious what it is about.

"The Tour de Yorkshire has brought out the clear message to me that we are proud of our area and I want the Yorkshire Party to be at the heart of politics in Yorkshire."

Cllr Jordan is chair of North Yorkshire County Council’s Transport, Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

He added that he believes other local politicians will follow his move.