ILMINSTER district councillor Kim Turner has defected to the LibDem party after becoming disillusioned' with the Conservatives.

As David Cameron holds his first Conservative conference in Brighton this week, Cllr Turner is one person who won't be attending.

She has now been welcomed onto the ruling LibDem group on South Somerset District Council, to the dismay of fellow Ilminster district councillor and Conservative Martin Rawstorne.

Cllr Turner said: "Over the last year, I have become increasingly disillusioned with the Conservatives, and felt that I no longer wished to remain a member of the party. I stood for election in 2003 to serve Ilminster, not to serve the Conservative Party.

She added: "I have decided to join the LibDem group, rather than simply becoming an independent.

"Having worked alongside them for three years, I feel I share the values of the LibDems. I also feel I can achieve more for local people by working as part of a team, rather than by myself."

Cllr Turner added that she intends to stand as a LibDem in the forthcoming election in May 2007.

The defection further tightens the LibDems' grip on the council, which was boosted last month by the election of 21-year-old Dan Shortland in Chard's Holyrood ward, replacing the independent Tony Prior.

The change has left Ilminster's other district council representative fuming.

Cllr Rawstorne told the News: "I am very disappointed. The Conservative group nominated her to one of the few important offices as vice-chairman of the scrutiny committee.

"I consider that during the last three years, she and I have achieved a fair amount together within our different fields of operation.

"In the future, as a Conservative, I will continue to provide support for our local industries and traders in Ilminster, since promoting industry, both small and large, is one of the core principles of Conservatism, as is the preservation of local decision-making against the threat of creeping regionalisation.

"By swelling the numbers of the ruling party, it makes it harder for the opposition parties to raise the performance level of the council, and I wonder how good this is for a healthy democracy."

* An Ilminster town and district council advice surgery takes place on Saturday, October 7, at the Meeting House from 9-10am. District councillors Martin Rawstorne, Kim Turner and town councillor Lawrence Yeoell will attend.

* Tell us what you think - write to Postbag or email newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk