Former Tory councillor Andrew Richardson has this afternoon officially confirmed he will stand for Ukip in the local elections in May.

The news comes just two hours before the party prepares to host a questions and answer session with Kent's only Ukip MP Mark Reckless, who defected from the Conservatives in the autumn.

Mr Richardson, aged 45, served on Dover District Council as a River ward councillor from 1998 to 2011. He was Conservative Group leader and cabinet member for Environment and vice-chairman of the planning committee.

Mr Richardson claims he had no contact with Ukip before standing down in 2011.

He said: "I left the Conservative Party because I felt that too often it seems to place the interests of big business above those of ordinary people.

"I left the Conservative Party because, too often, it seems to place the interests of big business above those of ordinary people" - Andrew Richardson Conservative defector

"And I don’t think it can be trusted to protect the precious and unique landscape and environment of places like Dover against those who see land purely as a commodity.

"I recognise the need for sustainable economic development, but not at any price; the key to good planning is balancing economic, social and environmental considerations, and under this government and this council I’m sorry to say that balance has disappeared in favour of unfettered support for the interests of large developers."

When he left the Conservatives he did not plan to re-enter politics, but he was impressed with what he calls a "group of active, intelligent and friendly people" in David Little's camp.

He said they are motivated by a shared passion for Dover District and a belief that this area is very far from reaching its potential.

David Little said: “Naturally we are delighted to have Dr Richardson join our team.

"He is a principled and intelligent man with a passion for our district.

"This is part of the broader picture we are seeing as we campaign locally, that disillusioned voters are leaving the Conservative Party in droves. The message we receive is loud and clear, local people have listened to empty rhetoric and broken promises for decades, its time for change”.

Charlie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, said: "This is old news and was extensively reported in the local press two years ago.

"The people of Dover wanted the development of the Western Heights. So I and the District Council rightly supported it. As everyone knows, Andrew opposed the development so he left for UKIP."

Mark Reckless will visit Crabble Corn Mill tonight (Friday) to talk to members of the public.