ONLY two months after Councillor Ruth Atkin announced she was leaving the Labour Party, another long-standing supporter has decided to call it a day.

Councillor Keith Crout, local Labour councillor for more than 25 years and county councillor for the Callowland and Leggatts wards, announced he was leaving the party this week but would continue to sit on the council as an independent.

The 53-year-old informed colleagues of his decision after claiming he felt the Government had "lied" to people about the war in Iraq.

His resignation also follows a clash of opinions with the new head of Watford Labour, Geoff O'Connell, over the future of The Colosseum and the progression of the party.

Speaking about his decision to leave Labour, he said: "It's fair to say this has been bubbling over for the last two years, but when you have been a member of the party for more than 25 years, it's not an easy decision to take.

"When the Labour Government decided to go to war in Iraq, I fully expected to find weapons of mass destruction.

"But now we find we cannot rely on intelligence and I think we have been lied to."

Councillor Crout also said he was disappointed with the mayor and cabinet-style council that was voted in two years ago.

Councillor Crout, who will continue as an independent with immediate effect, also said he was disappointed by comments made by Councillor O'Connell over The Colosseum and the future of the Labour Party.

Councillor Crout has not announced plans to join another party, although he has hinted he may be looking to join the Liberal Democrats.

Councillor O'Connell said he had been aware of Councillor Crout's deliberations for some time and said: "The problems Keith has had with Labour are long-standing."