A former Liberal Democrat councillor who left to become an Independent says she felt “harassed” and she had “no choice” but to quit.

Cllr Maggie Parker’s resignation from Watford Borough Council’s Lib Dem group in March was the third in a matter of weeks, with colleague Cllr Keith Crout also quitting over allegations of the “conduct” of the Watford Liberal Democrat group and Cllr Jane Johnson – who left the council altogether - claiming there’s an “unhealthy influence” from outside the group.

But Cllr Parker has not been prepared to give up the Oxhey seat she has held for four years, where she currently lives, and has formed her own Independent group with Stanborough representative Cllr Crout.

She had previously stayed silent on why she quit the Lib Dems, but now she has told the Watford Observer she felt there was “increased pressure” for her to resign after she announced a potential move to Northamptonshire.

Cllr Parker told the Observer: “I felt like I was being vilified and harassed to step down in March.”

The councillor explained she was “very unhappy” with the mistreatment that arose, adding that it is legally allowed to remain a councillor even if you don’t remain in the borough.

It is understood some party members were unhappy with Cllr Parker’s decision to change her mind about resigning her seat – which she originally intended to do.

She added that she felt “harassed and bullied” and was being forced out the area.

She also echoed Cllr Jane Johnson who said there was an “unhealthy outside influence” driving her resignation – but did not reveal who that was.

Cllr Parker says she was “deeply hurt” by the way she was treated.

However, Cllr Parker revealed she received support from many councillors, including opposition Labour councillors and the Conservative group in Watford.

When Mrs Johnson was asked about her resignation, she said “I lost my enthusiasm for the role” and also added there was an “unhealthy influence from outside the group”.

In comments made to the Observer, Cllr Crout, said he would not have resigned "if he did not feel so strongly" about an issue, adding it was “due to the conduct of the local party and its treatment of fellow councillors”.

He also said that it was a decision that was “brewing for around 18 months”.

Cllr Parker said “it was a pleasure” to be joined by Cllr Crout.

But Watford Liberal Democrat party chairman Peter Kloss, who is also a councillor in Park Ward, claims there were indications of Cllr Parker leaving earlier in the year.

He said: "Maggie Parker indicated in early January that she would be moving to Northamptonshire and would be resigning her seat for May’s elections.

"She subsequently changed her mind and has now decided to continue, but as an independent councillor, although we believe that she still plans to leave the town.

"In the Liberal Democrats we believe that local councillors should live close to local residents so that they can best serve the community that elected them.

"We wish Maggie all the best for the future."

He chose not to comment on allegations of harrasment as there were no formal complaints issued to comment on.