A SENIOR Labour councillor has split from the party and will stand as an independent at next month’s local authority elections.

John Caldwell has served Labour for more than 30 years and holds the prestigious post of Deputy Provost.

Now he hopes to be re-elected in the Johnstone South and Elderslie ward without the backing of a political party.

Mr Caldwell said: “I won’t be tied to a political party now and am confident to go out on my own.

“I hope the public have faith in me to do a good job. I’ve got years of experience, so I feel that I can do well by myself.”

Despite failing to win selection as a Labour candidate this time around, Mr Caldwell is confident he can do well as an independent councillor.

He said: “I feel that the Labour party weren’t listening to specific topics that were important to me.

“In particular, there were issues with housing, such as building on greenbelt land, which many of my constituents objected to.”

Despite being “a bit behind” in his campaign, Mr Caldwell is looking ahead to tackling the “big issues”, with a particular focus on creating more social housing.

He said: “It was good to be a part of the Johnstone Castle Community Centre refurbishment and the work done at Fordbank school.

“There were however a few disappointments such as the closure of the amenity sites.

“I privately voiced by opinion but voted for what my party wanted, which I unfortunately had to do.

“There is no bad feeling with me leaving the party though - it’s all amicable.

“And I will still be continuing my duties as deputy Provost up until election and other charity work in the area.”

A spokesman for Scottish Labour said: “John Caldwell is no longer a member of the Labour party.

“We do not discuss internal party matters.”