A QUARTET of councillors have resigned from the leading political group in Brentwood in a protest over the leadership.

Russell Quirk, William Lloyd, Nigel Clarke and Phil Baker have written to Brentwood Council leader Louise McKinlay saying they are resigning from the "Conservative whip".

Although the foursome will remain as Tory party members, they have stated in a joint letter they will serve the public who voted them to the council and put their needs first.

They also criticised Mrs McKinlay's leadership calling it "haphazard" and "void of good ideas".