A COUNCILLOR has resigned from the Labour group less than two weeks after a new group leader was elected.

Coun David Wren told group leader Kevin Small that he is resigning from the group but will stay on as an independent.

Speculation is likely to mount that his wife Sinead Darker may follow suit.

Kevin Small was chosen as group leader nine days ago and Councillor Wren's resignation has followed swiftly.

Councillor Wren was the only Labour councillor in Dorcan and is due for re-election in 2006.

Coun Small, (Lab, Western) said: "It's always disappointing to lose any member. I had hoped we could try to resolve the issues and keep him a member of the group.

"But if that doesn't work, we will have to move on.

"I hope to speak to him soon and convince him to remain a member of the group.

"From what I gather he has had some run-ins or personality clashes with members of the party in the last year."

But Mr Small does not think Councillor Wren's resignation is an isolated incident.

He said: "No other member of the Labour group has resigned. Two days at the annual general meeting of the group all members were present except David and Sinead, and Phillip Steele, who was not well."

Under Labour party rules if Mr Wren does not return to the whip within 21 days he will be expelled from the party.

Mike Bawden, leader of the Council, said: "It's not my practice to make comments on members of other parties.

"I assume he has thought this through very carefully and has decided he wants to be independent of the labour group." There were also rumours there may be further resignations in the near future.

Andy Harrison, (Lab, Dorcan) denied he had any intention of resigning.

"I am staying within the group. I have no plans to stand down and I support Kevin Small completely.

"There are a lot of challenges ahead. I trust and hope Kevin will face those challenges with the group."

"David must not be happy with the group or the party nationally perhaps, but I haven't spoken to him so I don't know."

Michael Barnes (Lab, Western) is the Labour group chairman.

He said: "I very much regret his decision. He's been a valued member of the group and an excellent ward councillor since he was first elected in 2002.

"I am led to understand he is expecting to vote with the Labour group in the future.

"Clearly he felt there were personal issues, but it's not the case that the group have any problem with David.

"I have had no indication that his wife will be leaving.

"I have not felt that there have been major personality clashes within the group, and I was very surprised when I was told he is resigning."

Cllrs Wren and Darker were not available for comment.