Andrew Pelling has given his strongest indication yet that he is to stand as an independent in the next general election.

The Croydon Central MP referred to himself as a “local independent MP” in his latest press release, a marked departure from the previous “local MP” moniker.

Speculation has been growing about Mr Pelling’s future, after he adopted a seemingly apolitical approach maintaining he is putting “Croydon first”.

Standing as an independent or joining an obscure fringe party are the only opportunities Mr Pelling will have to continue representing Croydon, after Councillor Gavin Barwell was given the chance to fight for his old job by the local Tory party.

Mr Pelling is still an outcast from the national party after the whip was withdrawn following allegations he assaulted his wife in September 2007.

The allegations were later dropped without charge.

Mr Pelling’s ongoing rift with the Tories grew wider as he revealed he has been barred from all local neighbourhood Conservative ward meetings and annual general meetings, except Heathfield where he is a member.

He is also barred from speaking at the Federation annual general meeting unless the party whip has been returned.

He has already spoken of his feeling of “betrayal” when he was ousted and never taken back in by the party he served for more than 20 years.

It follows a strong attack on former Tory colleague and main political rival Gavin Barwell over the latter’s “excessive” leafletting campaign, as Coun Barwell bids to replace Mr Pelling as the Croydon Central MP.

He was also in hot water with the local Conservative party after attending a Labour fundraiser and speaking with former London Mayor Ken Livingstone over the scrapped Tramlink extension to Crystal Palace.

He even gave an impromptu talk at the party held on behalf of Gerry Ryan – the Labour candidate for his old seat.

And it appears some in the Tory party are still against him after he claimed he was snubbed for a dinner held by Richard Chatterjee, with an invite being pulled at the last minute.

And if he were to stand, the 49-year-old would be in line for a financial boost, even if he were unsuccessful.

Under Parliamentary legislation, Mr Pelling would be entitled to a resettlement grant of 50 per cent of his salary, just over £30,000, and the majority of the grant would be tax-free.

Labour opponent Gerry Ryan said: “Clearly this has been going on for some considerable time and there is a big split between Mr Pelling and the Conservatives.

“I don’t know how it’s going to pan out, but it would be a bit more exciting if he did. At the moment it is a straight two-horse race.”

Mr Pelling refused to confirm or deny his intentions for the next general election.

Mr Barwell was unavailable for comment.