GLOUCESTERSHIRE county councillor Keith Rippington announced his intention to quit the Conservative party on Facebook.

He posted the announcement on Monday evening at 10.30pm.

The post reads: "As a lifetime supporter of the Conservative Party, today I gave up...

"The current party, very right wing, makes me feel it's absurd and not in touch with younger people and only appeals to typically older people."

He will also be making the announcement in person at today's Gloucestershire County Council meeting.

Mr Rippington, who is a county councillor for Bisley and Painswick, will continue in post as an independent.