THE resignation of a former Christchurch Liberal Democrat councillor has been called for following his controversial move to the Conservative Party.

Cllr Peter Hall resigned from the Lib Dems saying it was for the “benefit of the residents of Christchurch”, citing the close working relationship he had formed with fellow ward councillor Gillian Geary as part of the reason.

His move means there are just two Independent councillors forming the opposition, with Conservative councillors holding 22 seats out of 24.

Christine Payne, a member of Christchurch Liberal Democrats and a former councillor, said: “I am very sorry that Cllr Peter Hall has applied to join the Conservative Party so soon after being re-elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor.

“I feel that the honourable thing for Peter to do would be to resign and offer himself for re-election as a Conservative, but I am sure that whatever flag he serves under he will work hard on behalf of the residents of Christchurch.

“As a Party we were looking forward to having Peter as the first Liberal Democrat Mayor in Christchurch in 2012.”

The Liberal Democrat Party in Christchurch will continue under Martyn Hurll.

Cllr Colin Bungey, leader for the Independent group at Christchurch, said: “I am disappointed. I phoned Peter but he seems unmoveable.

“He seems to feel that he can do more as a part of the group than he can by himself.

“I think there was a lot of respect for him and I think those people who were with him from that point of view will be disappointed but will support him.

“It is the true Lib Dems who may not be very happy.”

Cllr Bungey, who has been a councillor since 1983, and twice served as Mayor added: “We must have an opposition to keep an eye on what is going on.

“Over the years all three groups have worked very well together for the benefit of the borough as a whole.

“But we still need that opposition to flag up issues. People need to be there to stand up and be counted not just rubber stamp everything.”