OUTSPOKEN councillor Gary Kibblewhite has quit the Tory party, leaving Labour and Conservatives on Worcester City Council vying for power with 15 seats apiece.

Mystery surrounded his move today with the councillor - notorious for criticising city taxi-drivers over their manners - refusing to disclose the reason for his abrupt resignation.

But his departure, after seven years with the Tories, has changed the Faithful City's political landscape.

He has stepped down from the city council's ruling Conservative Group, from the Conservation Association and from his position as portfolio holder for housing on the city council's executive board.

Coun Kibblewhite, who said he intended to serve out his term until 2004 as an "independent Conservative", ruled out personality clashes or vendettas for his decision.

He had made it on Wednesday afternoon, although it had been "bubbling underneath" for a while.

"I won't be returning to the party for the foreseeable future, but it won't be the downfall of the Conservative Party by a mile," said Coun Kibblewhite, who admitted he would miss the challenge of housing.

"Housing has been very good, with exciting times, and I was really enjoying it. With its highs and lows, it's one thing I'll sincerely miss.

"But, as an independent, I'll be as an effective councillor as I can."

The Bedwardine member denied rumours he was joining the Association of Independents.

"Obviously I'm friends with all my colleagues, and I'll discuss and debate things with all of them. But I'm not, at this time, contemplating

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joining the association of independents."

Tory leader Coun Robert Rowden was also staying tight-lipped about his colleague's resignation.

"Something occurred which made him feel he should resign," he said.

Coun Rowden paid tribute to Coun Kibblewhite's work on the housing board, but disagreed that the resignation would cause a power shift.

"I'd hope that people will continue to vote in such a way that would benefit the city," he said.