An independent councillor has quit his party grouping following a row over a local election candidate.

The Independent in Hyndburn group confirmed that Coun Ian Robinson has handed in his resignation.

Coun Robinson had threatened to leave the group, which had three sitting councillors, if leader Coun Nick Collingridge remained in charge.

Great Harwood Coun Robinson claimed he had not been consulted over the group’s official candidate in the Overton ward, Jamie Lee Govier. Coun Robinson had personally backed another Independent John Duckworth.

Coun Robinson had told the Observer that he was asked to support Mr Govier without knowing either him or his views.

He added: "I don't even know where he lives."

The Independent in Hyndburn group was set up as a political group by four councillors in 2009.

Coun Robinson will remain an independent councillor, but will operate separately from his two former colleagues Independents Coun Collingridge, and Coun Dave Parkins.

Mr Govier was backed by Independent in Hyndburn member and former councillor David Mason. Mr Mason said ‘a majority endorsement’ was sought and gained for Mr Govier, in line with the group’s constitution.

Labour candidate Kerry Molineux took the seat with 868 votes, with Mr Duckworth polling 317 votes in third, and Mr Govier trailing in last with 99. Coun Robinson could not be contacted for comment before the Observer went to press.