Brian Bailey represents the Withycombe Raleigh Ward on both Exmouth Town and East Devon District Council.
He says he's left the party because of the Government's appalling treatment of the less fortunate and their approach to policing.
Councillor Bailey's joined the Liberal Democrat party, but he will sit as an Independent until the end of his term in May.
Cllr Bailey has yet to confirm whether he will contest the elections in May as a Liberal Democrat.
His defection means the current make-up of East Devon District Council sees 33 Conservative councillors, 18 Independents (including Cllr Bailey), and seven Liberal Democrats.
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