An independent council group with just two members has split after political differences.

Councillor Anne Giebeler and Councillor Jayne Bennett, the only two independent members of Brighton and Hove City Council, have fallen out with one accusing the other of selling out her principles to the leading Labour group.

Coun Bennett left the Conservatives in 2002 to become an independent councillor.

When Coun Giebeler did the same last April, the two formed an independent group.

It meant the pair got membership of more committees and Coun Giebeler, as the named independent leader, got to sit on a group with the heads of other parties.

But now Coun Bennett has decided that the alliance is not independent enough and has made a break for the true non-partisan ideal.

She said: "I have decided to revert to my previous status as a completely independent member on the council, in effect dissolving the independent group.

"This is the role I was elected in, well before Anne turned from the Conservatives to being an independent.

"I do not wish to be aligned to any group and merely wish to return to the way I always worked without the constraints of party politics."

But Coun Giebeler has bitterly hit back at the accusation of controlling Coun Bennett's politics, claiming that in truth her former ally is a closet Labour supporter.

She said: "Being a truly independent councillor, working crossparty, I have often found Jayne's reactions rather strange for another independent member.

"This has been particularly noticeable at council meetings, since I have found her leanings aligned to Labour, as it seems her communications and orders come from that side.

"She waits to be told which way Labour is voting and does the same I don't know why she doesn't join them.

"I have always sought to represent just my constituents.

"The two of us could have worked well together, both doing that.

"It did not mean we had to vote the same way on anything.

"But Jayne is obviously not independent in the true sense of the word.

"I won't be sorry to no longer be working with her."

Coun Bennett did not wish to respond to the allegations.

She said: "Anne is obviously extremely upset and I would prefer not to say any more.

"The less said, the sooner mended."