Ukip picks up new Tory defector

Another Conservative London councillor has defected to Ukip while attacking David Cameron’s leadership.

Rod Scott left the Conservative group at Merton council last month and confirmed yesterday he was moving to Ukip.

He said: “David Cameron has not got the party in the right place. My hope is that the effect of Ukip will be to pull the Tories to the Right. Leaving the EU has been the number one policy of Ukip’s that I’m in favour of.”

Former Tory group leader Richard Hilton and deputy group leader Suzanne Evans have also gone to Ukip.

Four Tory councillors at Hounslow defected to Ukip earlier this month.