Former Hounslow mayor Cllr Andy Morgan-Watts has defected from the Liberal Democrats in favour of his 'new freedom' as an independent candidate.
Cllr Andy Morgan-Watts, who served as the borough's first citizen last year, said his time in the non-political role had made him realise, 'just how much can be achieved without mainstream party politics'.
The Hanworth councillor, who has held his seat for 11 years, added: "I originally applied to become a councillor because I wanted to represent the people of Hanworth and generally improve the quality of life for all Hounslow residents.
"Unfortunately, in recent times I have found myself being forced to veer away from working in my local area and having to become more political. I am uncomfortable with this situation as it was never my intention to be overtly political.
"In my own ward of Hanworth, Cllr Linda Nakamura representing the Hanworth Independent Group, has been very active and successful in delivering community benefits and this is the path that I would now prefer to follow."
Cllr Morgan-Watts, whose son Drew Morgan-Watts also serves on the council and remains a Lib Dem councillor, will now join Cllrs Peter Hills and Linda Nakamura as a member of the West Area Independent Group.
"The Hanworth Independent Group has been very successful in delivering on promises to local residents including road safety schemes, tackling anti-social behaviour, low council tax and we also encourage and support a variety of residents' groups through our community programme," they said in a statement.
"Andrew's inclusion in our group will enable us to expand our work in Hanworth."
Cllr Morgan-Watts defection brings the number of independent Councillors in Hounslow to eleven and cuts the Lib Dem's total to three.
Liberal Democrat councillor and parliamentary candidate Andrew Dakers said: "It's been an amicable departure. It's a shame Andy's decided to leave but it's important that councillors feel comfortable in their own skin and true to their own values. If he no longer feels that his agenda fits with the Liberal Democrats it's better for everyone if he moves on."
