A FOURTH town councillor has left a party founded less than a year ago.

Dan Ford has left Winsford Salt of the Earth, the group’s leader has confirmed.

The party was formed earlier this year with the intention of putting “people before politics” and enjoyed great success at the elections in May, winning all but one seat on the town council and a further three on Cheshire West and Chester Council.

However, since then the group has seen four of its town council members depart, including councillor Ford.

First to go was Chrissy Duffy, who resigned from the council all together in August, with Labour’s Dave Moorcroft victorious in the consequent by-election.

Then in September, councillors Lorraine Murphy and Stella Mellor both quit the party to become independents amid allegations surrounding the town’s inaugural pride event.

Meanwhile, CWAC councillors Simon Boone and Mandy Clare were kicked out of the party, founder and leader Ernie Welch claimed.

However, the pair stated that they continue to serve as executive members of WSOTE.

READ MORE: Accusations fly amid Winsford Salt of the Earth split

Northwich Guardian: Chrissy Duffy resigned from the council in August before councillors Stella Mellor and Lorraine Murphy left WSOTE in SeptemberChrissy Duffy resigned from the council in August before councillors Stella Mellor and Lorraine Murphy left WSOTE in September (Image: Winsford Town Council)

The departure of councillor Ford came to light on Tuesday (November 21).

During the fallout back in September, he took to social media to share his views.

He claimed that the group had started to split just 48 hours after the election success, resulting in two parties with the same name.

A Facebook post by councillor Ford read: “As far as I’m concerned, I’m a member of the original WSOTE group that has a constitution and exec group in place."

However, two months after this post, councillor Ford has now left the group.

WSOTE leader and mayor of Winsford, councillor Welch, said: “I would like to wish Dan Ford all the best for the future as an independent councillor.

“What matters most is he is still a councillor and I look forward to working alongside him to work for the people of Winsford and the community , which is what we all signed up for.”

Councillor Ford has been approached for comment.