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Four London councillors have quit the Conservative party, with one today attacking David Cameron’s leadership as like “a reed in the wind”.

In a new blow to the Prime Minister’s authority, three members of the group told the Evening Standard they are considering defecting to Ukip because of its tougher stance on Europe and immigration.

The fourth criticised Mr Cameron for “wishy-washy” leadership and for giving Lib-Dems too much influence.

All are serving members of Merton Borough Council and include former Tory group leader Richard Hilton and deputy group leader Suzanne Evans. They resigned the whip at a meeting last night.

Hillside councillor Miss Evans said: “Ukip is a tremendous threat and anyone who denies it is an idiot. The party has got backbone and is prepared to stand up for what it believes in.

“They don’t behave like a reed in the wind, which is how some people at the top of the Conservatives behave. Obviously I include David Cameron in that.”

She added: “Ukip is now more Conservative than the Conservatives. Nigel Farage said if Baroness Thatcher was still running the party there wouldn’t be a need for Ukip. I agree with him.”

The exodus follows a torrid time for Conservatives at Merton, who have had three different leaders this year, and comes a year before crucial London Borough elections.

The disgruntled councillors say they became fed up with “dirty” infighting and local leaders who backed liberal policies.

Lower Morden councillor Mr Hilton said: “I am considering joining Ukip, but I haven’t made a decision yet. I do agree with an awful lot of what they are campaigning for particularly controlling immigration. On the EU the Conservatives have unfortunately not offered a vote before the next election.”

Raynes Park councillor Rod Scott also said he had not finalised a decision to join Ukip, but added: “I agree largely with what they stand for.”

Conservatives nationally are reeling after losing dozens of council seats to Ukip in elections a fortnight ago amid increasing grassroots discontent.

Ukip is also expected by many to come first in European elections next year. Leader Mr Farage said: “It’s obvious to us that at national, regional and local level, Cameron’s Conservatives are at sixes and sevens. This group at Merton Borough Council are another example of this. I admire their spine. My phone is always switched on.”

A Tory source said: “This is a local falling out. These things happen.”