A BASINGSTOKE councillor who was arrested over allegations of theft has resigned from the UK Independence Party.

As reported in last week’s edition of The Gazette, Matthew Ellery, who is a UKIP councillor for the Brighton Hill South ward on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, was arrested on suspicion of theft from Squirrels Collectors Centre in New Street last month.

The antiques shop is owned by Ellery’s father, Alan Stone, who is the Basingstoke UKIP branch leader and the party’s candidate at the General Election in May.

Cllr Ellery has now been bailed until May 14.

But in a further twist, the 21-year-old has announced this morning that he has resigned from the party and will now stand as an independent councillor.

In an email sent to the party, which The Gazette has seen, he said: “I shall maintain my position as a councillor, albeit as an independent councillor. This will allow me to represent the views of my constituency without interference.

“I strongly believe in enabling all people to have a voice, as this is fundamental to maintaining our rights and to a democratic society. I will no longer be silenced or oppressed by the local branch.”

Cllr Ellery added: “It is no wonder so many young people feel disengaged from political parties if these parties only seek to exploit and control them once they become actively involved.”

The 21-year-old said he would be informing the borough council of his decision immediately.