Husband and wife Crawley councillors Brenda and Jim Smith are resigning from executive posts because of new rules silencing members.

They are angry Crawley Borough Council has agreed a new policy forcing portfolio holders to back a decision in public agreed by the executive, even if they do not agree with it.

Mrs Smith, executive member for community engagement, resigned last week and her husband will step down tonight as executive member for leisure and cultural services.

The two former mayors say the new policy will stop them from fully representing the wishes of residents in their Langley Green ward.

Mr Smith said: "Once a majority decision is agreed by the executive, the members have to vote for it in full council, whether they agree with it or not. We are not allowed to abstain."

The couple will continue their work as councillors.

Council leader Chris Redmayne said the new policy had been decided by full council.