BURY Tories have been thrown into turmoil after a top councillor quit the group in a protest against its leadership.

Cllr Ian Bevan said he remained a loyal supporter of the Conservatives at a national level, but questioned the direction, style and leadership of the group in Bury.

He will continue representing Ramsbottom ward as an independent councillor until at least May 2014, when his seat is up for election.

Cllr Roger Brown became Tory leader last May when Labour took control of the town hall. It is understood Bury’s Tory councillors were asked to take part in a no-confidence vote over Cllr Brown last month.

Although the vote did not take place, Cllr Bevan — the chief whip in charge of ensuring his colleagues tow the party line — decided he could not continue in the role.

In a statement, he said: “As a result of differences of opinion between myself and the leadership of the Conservative group of councillors on Bury Council over their direction, style and leadership of the group, I will no longer continue to be a member of the Bury Conservative group.

“I have sought the views of my constituents in Ramsbottom and, as a result, it is my intention to sit as an independent for the remainder of my term of office.

“I will continue to represent the people of Ramsbottom, Holcombe Village and Shuttleworth to the best of my ability.”

Cllr Brown said: “He was elected as a Conservative councillor. I wonder what the people of Ramsbottom will think about what he has done.”