A Malvern Hills district councillor has revealed that she resigned from the Liberal Democrat party and the council's ruling Lib Dem group.

In a statement, Pickersleigh ward councillor Marion Houghton-Smith said she resigned when Charles Kennedy surrendered the party leadership.

She said: "My reasons for resignation were dissatisfaction with the national party and not being impressed with the new leadership candidates, and unease over decisions that were being taken locally by the MHDC Lib Dem group."

Coun Houghton-Smith could not be contacted for further comment this week.

But in the debate over the controversial closure of public toilets last month she voted against closure, unlike almost all Lib Dems.

In her statement, Coun Houghton-Smith said: "I am now a non-aligned member of MHDC, for the time being."

Her husband, David Houghton-Smith, is a Lib Dem councillor for the Link ward.