LABOUR leader Peter Rankin launched an astonishing attack on the controversial councillor Mick Moulding.

According to the leader, Coun Moulding's departure from the one-seat majority Labour camp has been cause for celebration, not disappointment.

Coun Rankin described him as 'a confused alien who doesn't know where he belongs'. He said: "Mick has let us down on several occasions." Coun Moulding, currently independent, looks set to return to the Lib Dems - the party he left earlier this year.

Coun Rankin added: "We weren't upset when Mick left. You won't believe me, but I actually went out and bought some bottles of champagne. The champagne corks were really flying on Friday night. He is an extremely disruptive man.

"Mick has let us down on several occasions after joining us, spouting about his socialist beliefs. It is easy to say it was a mistake in hindsight, but it appears to us that Mick doesn't know what he is. He must be some alien from somewhere."

But Coun Moulding was fixed on his political stand. He said: "To me, the most important thing is serving the people of my ward. Labour councillors tried to gag me.

"Many of them didn't want me in the first place. That party is on the verge of collapse. They are so spineless. They would rather save their political necks than support their community - the people who vote for them."

Coun Moulding is now in talks with the Liberal Democrats about the possibility of returning to their camp. It was that prospect which led Coun Pat Whittle to become independent - the second Lib Dem defection in a week.

Coun Whittle said: "My decision was two-fold. I disagree with the Lib Dem's national policies - they are far too in with New Labour and Mr Blair for my liking - and I have always said I will resign if a move is made to bring Mick back. I have kept my word."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.