A councillor who teamed up with a breakaway party at the council has claimed more politicians are considering joining the group.

Former Conservative councillor Harold Moth confirmed he has joined the 'Redbridge Independent Group' after it was formed by three disgruntled ex-Labour Party members at the weekend.

Cllr Moth told the Guardian that the group was working on trying to persuade the borough's remaining two independents to also join, and that there was a hope some other members may also follow suit and split from their parties.

The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats hold the balance of power with a coalition at Redbridge Council but some committees may have to be shaken-up to ensure the new group have some minority representation.

Cllr Moth, who has been a councillor for more than 34 years, said he hoped the new party would help revitalise politics in the borough.

He said: "I feel this offers a new opportunity to make a totally new start.

"We've all had the kickback of the political system in this new group and we all want to make a difference and help residents.

"Other councillors are considering and we hope more will join".

Cllr Moth previously split from the Tories as an independent before rejoining the party to stand in the 2010 election.

But he was then kicked out of the Redbridge Conservative group in August 2012 following a row with its leadership, but remains a member of the Tory Party.

The Labour trio of Cllr Filly Maravala, Cllr Virendra Tewari and Cllr Balvinder Saund formed the group following claims that their former party's leadership at the authority was dictatorial, complacent and lacking in vision.

But Labour leader Cllr Jas Athwal claims the rebels have "put their personal ambition ahead of the concerns of residents".