Bromley Conservative councillor Julian Grainger has spoken out about his decision to switch to UKIP.

Councillor Grainger, of the Chelsfield and Pratts Bottom ward, confirmed last week that he will be seeking re-election in the May borough elections as a UKIP councillor.

He said: "I am delighted to join UKIP and support its common sense policies.

"UKIP believes in true localism - not just bringing home decisions from Brussels but encouraging more local decision-making."

Councillor Grainger explained his switch, saying: "There is more than one reason - but the disconnect between local voters and the party leadership was a big factor.

"A key milestone was David Cameron's Bloomberg speech where he ended by declaring that he would 'campaign heart and soul' to stay in the EU - an astonishing way to negotiate the future of our country."

He added: "I was given a warm welcome by Nigel Farage."