THE LEADER of Allerdale Council is "disappointed" to lose two members of the Conservative Group, but will continue to focus on services locally.

Two councillors have left the Allerdale Conservative Group in as many weeks, both pointing to recent Downing Street controversy as a driving factor.

Carmell Bell, who represents Crummock and Derwent Valley, resigned from the Conservative Party on Monday to continue her political career as an Independent.

She joins Owen Martin, of the Silloth and Solway Coast ward, who left the Tories last Friday. Councillor Martin also pledged to continue serving his community as an Independent.

The resignations came in an acrimonious period for the Conservative Government.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating potential breaches of lockdown rules within Whitehall and 10 Downing Street.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also under fire for controversial comments in the House of Commons claiming that Keir Starmer failed to prosecute Jimmy Saville during his time as Director of Prosecutions at the CPS.

Both Allerdale councillors have said that they were considering the decision to leave the Conservative Group for some time but "recent failings" of the Prime Minister have been the final straw.

Mike Johnson, leader of the Conservative controlled Allerdale Council, said it is "disappointing" to see both councillors leave the group but wished them luck with the rest of their political careers.

Cllr Johnson said: "It's disappointing that the two Independents felt that's what they needed to do but if that's what they've got to do, that's what they've got to do.

"It's always disappointing, I would have hoped they could see beyond what was going on in London."

But he said: "I don't hold it against them."

Cllr Bell also mentioned the impact of cuts on housing support schemes as a factor in her departure.

The leader sees actions of the party nationally as separate to local Conservative groups.

"At the end of the day we stand for Conservatives locally. Whatever goes on nationally, we're still Conservatives here in Allerdale and we'll continue to deliver."

Cllr Johnson said that the Allerdale Borough Council leadership will focus on the controllables, rather than being distracted by controversy from Westminster.

"It doesn't effect what we're doing locally, we can only focus on what we deliver locally but I understand their personal frustrations."

The leader said that national politics "always" has an impact locally at the ballot box but he won't be deterred by factors out of his control.

"Boris Johnson is Boris Johnson whether you like him or loath him he's the Prime Minister and it's only the MPs in Westminster who can change that.

"What's going on nationally I personally and we in Allerdale can't influence so let them get on with what they do."