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Plymouth's only Sikh councillor has resigned from the Labour Party.

Cllr Chaz Singh revealed his membership of the political group was 'no longer compatible' with his faith.

But the popular public servant, who has served on the council since 2011, said he will continue to serve his Drake ward constituents as an independent.

In a statement to local Labour Party officials, Cllr Singh said: "I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the Labour Party with immediate effect.

"My decision is based upon the fact that I believe that my continued membership is no longer compatible with my faith.

"I will continue to represent the people of the Drake Ward as an Independent Councillor."

(Image: John Allen)

Cllr Singh went public about his decision to quit the Labour Party after an emergency council debate today - Monday, September 9 - over the Government's decision to 'prorogue' Parliament until October 14.

"Some of the things in the party weren't compatible with the issues I had, I don't think they were addressed properly," Cllr Singh said.

Councillor Tudor Evans, Labour leader of Plymouth City Council, said he did not wish to comment at this time.

What happens next?

Cllr Singh's decision makes a very slight change to the political make up of the council.

Labour still retain overall majority control, with 30 seats - there are now two independents on the books, whilst the Tories stay on 25.

Cllr Singh's decision comes in the same week millions tuned in to watch Sikh Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi grill Prime Minister Boris Johnson on past comments in which he likened women wearing burqas to letter boxes.

He also renewed his calls for the Conservative Party to begin its review into Islamophobia, as promised by Johnson during his leadership campaign.