The former Conservative deputy leader of Camden Council has joined the Liberal Democrats, crediting the party’s pro-European Union stance.

Many see in the New Year by pledging to exercise more, or break bad habits, but Swiss Cottage councillor Andrew Marshall decided to join a different political party on January 1.

He had resigned from the Conservatives in February 2017, blaming their policy over Europe and has sat as an independent since.

He had served as deputy leader of the council between 2006 and 2010.

After the EU referendum in 2016, where he campaigned for remain, he announced that he would stand down at the election this year. He confirmed he still doesn’t intend to stand again.

He joins long-serving councillor Flick Rea in the Camden Lib Dem ranks.

He confirmed the news on Twitter last night.

Cllr Marshall said: “I left the Conservative Party after four decades last year - largely, but certainly not only, over Europe. I find that my values are now best reflected in the Liberal Democrats: moderate, inclusive economics to broaden opportunity, reform of our political system, a robust approach to sustainability and an internationalist, pro-European ethos.”

Cllr Rea welcomed Cllr Marshall’s decision. “I’m delighted that Andrew and I will now be Liberal Democrat colleagues on the Council.

“Like Andrew, the Lib Dems passionately believe that Camden benefits from EU membership. I know that many other liberal minded Camden residents who have previously supported the Conservatives are dismayed by the Government’s hard Brexit agenda.”