Tory councillor goes independent and vows to cause havoc for Labour and Lib Dems in Milton Keynes

Terry Baines will now stand as an Independent councillor in his Campbell Park and Old Woughton ward.

In May, following the government's debate on the new Immigration Bill, he made a comment on Twitter saying: “It is time to stop the invasion of migrants and time to send a lot back.”

The ex-military councillor, who served in the Falkland and Northern Ireland, was immediately accused of being racist, but apologised and said he didn't mean to sound so harsh and intended to merely echo the government's views.

But the comment meant he was hauled before the council's Standards Committee for investigation.

"The committee listened to what happened and decided there would be no further action. But Labour and Liberal Democrats were not happy and demanded it be looked at again," said Terry.

The same Standards committee is currently investigation one Labour councillor, would-be deputy mayor Moriah Priestley, and one Liberal Democrat councillor, Kerrie Bradburn.

Cllr Priestley faces allegations over her business financial matters, including alleged fraud, while Cllr Bradburn is alleged to have used an alter ego called Linda Duncan on social media to make positive comments about herself and negative comment about opposing Tories.

Terry claims his case is being used by the Labour and Lib Dem groups to deflect the limelight from their own two cases.

"I've been used and I'm sick of it," he said. "They are using me to take the limelight off their own councillors."

He added; I resigned from the Conservative group because all this was getting bad publicity for them, and they are doing an excellent job in Milton Keynes.

"I intend to start clearing my name. i'm an Independent now - and by God, Labour and Democrats will know about it."

Terry, who lives in Fishermead, has served the area for years on the parish council and residents association.

He said the support he has had from his local community has been "overwhelming".

He attracted more attention earlier this week after retweeted a comment stating Labour MP Dawn Butler "has made a complete tit of herself".

"That was nothing. It was a retweet. I don't know what all the fuss is about," he said.

Conservative Group leader Alex Walker said today that Terry's resignation had been accepted.

"Unfortunately, the situation has taken its toll and I completely understand he needs the space to get through the standards process and deal with his personal issues," he said.