A long-serving councillor who has represented Hornchurch for almost 25 years has left his group and joined the Conservatives.

On Friday, January 5, Councillor John Mylod, who represents St Andrews ward, joined the Havering Conservatives from the Residents’ Association group.

Cllr Mylod, who has served as a councillor for 24 years and is a former mayor of the borough, has explained his decision for the move.

He said: “I have become increasingly concerned that the Residents Association councillors have lost their way.

“They lack coherent policies and often seem to regard their role as merely nit-picking from the side-lines or abstaining.

“I think that our residents deserve more than this.”

Conservative leader Roger Ramsey added: “I have seen from his work as a councillor that John is committed to the well-being of local residents and of our area. My colleagues and I are delighted to welcome him.”