I FEEL it appropriate that I respond to the letter placed by the chairman of Gloucester UKIP as it appears that he has felt it necessary to use my words to fit his narrative.

Unlike Richard though I will respond with substance, not spin.

It is true that I am stepping down in May next year, and not entirely because of the leadership, but unlike two-thirds of the UKIP councillors I have not defected to another Party or left my responsibilities at the doorstep.

I find it interesting that Richard seems to attack the Labour Party over its leadership, at a time when UKIP have none.

Whatever my disagreements with the leader of the Labour Party, I can promise that it will never resort to throwing punches or crossing the floor to the Tories.

Let’s take a second to compare what Labour and Ukip have achieved for Gloucestershire residents.

In the last four years Labour have invested a record £3 million in social workers, introduced the Apprenticeship Travel Card, and have brought in the real living wage for council employees.

At the district level in Stroud, Labour colleagues have built social housing for local residents, strived to improve the living standards for thousands of residents, and fought Tory imposed cuts to services.

What has Richard Ford and UKIP in Gloucestershire achieved?

Nothing.

I, and many others are sick of his divisive rhetoric that he and UKIP party members keep peddling.

UKIP have had four years in the county to make a difference and they have squandered it through infighting and defections.

I am very proud of the Gloucestershire Labour group, and everyday I bring core Labour values to the council to help better the lives of residents.

Whilst I may be leaving the council in May I have every confidence that Labour elected representatives across this county will continue to represent all residents with the humanity, dignity and respect they deserve.

I can also promise that whilst I am taking time out to spend time with my young family, develop my business and complete my PhD, it is just a break, not an end.

I aim to return in the future to fight for those values of equality, fairness and community, something UKIP has never done.

Barry Kirby

Labour county councillor for Grange and Kingsway