A KIRBY councillor has switched allegiances and jumped from one political party to another – for the second time in seven years.

Mark Cossens and wife Andrea Cossens have both resigned from the Tendring First party.

The pair both sit on Frinton and Walton Town Council, while Mr Cossens is also a Tendring district councillor.

They have returned to the Conservative party, which they left seven years ago in a controversial split.

Mr Cossens said: “I think it is in the best interests of my residents.

“The Conservatives are carrying some good initiatives forward and at this point I feel like I am more aligned with their views.

“For several months I have found it harder and harder to oppose their ideas and now believe we are best served supporting the administration.”

Mr Cossens left the Conservative party to join Tendring First in 2007 in a controversial split.

And while he has been welcomed back into the political party, he has not yet been allowed back into the Conservative group within Tendring Council.

It means he will be forced to sit on the district council as an independent councillor for now, not affiliated with any party.

Mr Cossens said: “Clearly I am going to have to build the trust up again with some members. I’ve got to build some bridges and that won’t happen overnight.

“Hopefully sitting alone will show willing on my part and send a message that I do want to be a part of the Conservative group again."