Disgruntled councillors have formed a new political party in Croydon to escape the “pantomime antics” of the Conservative party.

The Independent Conservative Party was formed on Monday by Councillors Brian Cakebread and Enley Taylor.

Coun Cakebread, who was deselected by the Conservatives in November, said he was not yet sure whether he would stand as an independent in the upcoming election.

He said: “A lot of the time, the Conservatives ignore what the public want. They seem to revel in the pantomime antics of the council chamber without discussing what the people of Croydon want to see.”

He added since the party was formed, he had a lot of inquiries from other councillors interested in joining.

He said: “We have had a number of inquiries from a number of sources. Anyone who wants to join is welcome to do so. It is early days for us yet but we will see how things progress.”

He said he would focus on regeneration for Coulsdon.

“Money is not being invested in the south of the borough. It has taken up until the election to find money from the Greater London Assembly to invest in Purley. This money has come from the GLA and not from Croydon Council.

“I live in Kenley and I want to see the benefits of investment.”

Mike Fisher the leader of the conservative group said: “I regret Brian’s decision to form a new group in the council. It is interesting he should say we have lost touch with the people, he was not saying that when he put himself forward for selection to stand in the next election.”