A FORMER leader of the Conservatives has quit the party.

Councillor Tony Janio, who led the Brighton Conservatives into the last local elections, has today confirmed he will now sit as an independent.

The shock revelation comes after fellow councillor Robert Nemeth was chosen by his party to represent the Conservatives in Hove and Portslade yesterday evening.

Cllr Janio, who represents Hangleton and Knoll, said: “It is a temporary personal issue with the way somethings have happened.

“Rather than embarrassing the party and stepping out of line, I thought I would do the honourable thing.

“I’m putting out no press releases and I’m just getting on with life.”

Cllr Janio insisted he will still “shout and scream for the Conservatives” at council meetings.