Councillor Marlene Colby, who represents Rossall ward, was critical of the attitude and policies of the local Labour operation at the present time

She said: “I have been a year coming to this decision and it has been very hard for me, but I am still the same person who was elected and I will still work hard for my constituents.

“I don’t like the way this Labour group works.

“I have always had great respect for the leaders and I have worked with them for 16 years, but I don’t respect the current leader.”

The current Wyre Labour leader is Councillor Clive Grunshaw, who is also a prospective parliamentary candidate.

But Coun Grunshaw said: “If Councillor Colby does join the Tory group on Wyre it will be a massive kick in the teeth for all the residents in Fleetwood who have supported her.”

A Labour statement accused Councillor Colby of “disruptive behaviour” and said she had not attended a Labour group meeting since June last year.