Old Labour stalwart joins Lib Dems

The former mayor and leader of the council said: "We are concerned that power in the Town Hall has slipped into the hands of one close-knit grouping and that major regeneration projects appear to be decided by the unelected shadowy Task Force.

"Local politics is crying out for a credible and critical opposition with integrity. I believe the Liberal Democrats can and will fulfil that role, whilst working towards democratic authority in their own right."

Mr Stevens, 55, joined the Labour Party in 1969 but stopped his membership some months ago. He stood down from the borough council before the 2002 elections but he is currently an East Sussex County Councillor representing Broomgrove and Ore.

He said the decision to swap political sides has not come lightly.

"Iraq and the aftermath of the war have proved to be the last straw but it has been a long and tortuous journey," he said.

"There are now so many fundamental issues with which I disagree that I cannot remain within the fold and still have a clear conscience.

"It is not me who has changed, it is the Labour Party. I do not believe in the New Labour Project.

"I look forward to working with the Lib Dems on both a borough and county-wide basis. A whole new chapter has opened up."

Colin Dormer, chairman of Hastings and Rye Liberal Democrats, said: "I am delighted to welcome Richard as a member of the Liberal Democrats.

"He brings a wealth of local government experience which I'm sure will be of great benefit."

Jeremy Birch, leader of the council, said he was disappointed by cllr Stevens' decision.

"The timing seems strange when Hastings is at the brink of being transformed," he said.

"As a result of Labour in Hastings we now have the chance to transform the town, we have national interest and large sums of money being allocated by a Labour government."

Mr Birch hit back at criticism of power in the council, saying the Cabinet system was in place when Mr Stevens was leader.

He added: "It does not mean there is not the opportunity for full involvement in decision-making.

"We now have neighbourhood forums in the five priority wards, we have had the biggest consultation ever and the Cabinet meetings on tour. There has never been so much openness.

"The Labour Party has always had different views within it.

"In the past both Richard and I considered that the Liberal Democrats in Hastings were quite right-wing and they criticised us for being too radical.

"I wonder if he is going to fit in with people who have supported policies like privatising school meals and the closure of Castleham Industries."

A spokeswoman for Hastings and Bexhill Task Force said it did not make any decision without the involvement of steering groups, which are made up of elected councillors and MPs.