MARLBOROUGH town councillor Justin Cook has decided not to seek re-election, after becoming disillusioned with party politics.

After helping with delivering the area’s Neighbourhood Plan, trying to get a mast in Marlborough to improve Vodafone customers’ signal and working with the town’s youth, Conservative Mr Cook will not stand in this May's town council elections and has also decided not to run for a Wiltshire Council seat.

The former taxi driver, who initially wanted to run for the Marlborough East spot on Wiltshire Council, said that there was too much partisanship at the county council and that after four years, he has had his fill.

“With a heavy heart I have decided that it was not appropriate for me personally to stand in the Marlborough East ward for Wiltshire Council,” said Mr Cook, who runs an art gallery in Hungerford.

“I believe that politicians should be the best minds coming together, across the political divide, all having an impact for the benefit of the community.

“I now see that is a naïve view to have. I feel everyone should put aside their political allegiances and help to get things done. In the long term, I do not think this political cabinet system will achieve what they set out to do.

“Wiltshire Council is operating as an extension of the Tories and I think it should be more balanced. There are some brilliant people there, such as Philip Whitehead and Laura Mayes, who are doing the best they can on a very difficult wicket.

“But the idea of going to council and being in a political cabinet system when I have to follow the whip, without any healthy debate, is suffocating and restrictive.”

Mr Cook, 44, has called on younger people to stand in the May election for Marlborough.

“Marlborough Town Council has been a fantastic place to learn but it is vital that younger blood comes on board to refresh and re-energise it - there is nothing more satisfying than serving your community.” he said.

“The last four years at Marlborough Town Council have been incredibly rewarding for me and I have learnt so much being part of the process, for instance being involved in the Neighbourhood Plan and helping locals find their voice in how they want their town to be shaped. Working under Coun Lisa Farrell in the youth club has been brilliant.

“My true love is running my art business. Four years on this council is enough for me. My number one motivation for getting into politics was to help people and with the things we have done, I can lie awake at night knowing that I helped people locally.”

For more information about becoming a councillor visit http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/elections-becoming-a-councillor