The Labour group leader of a Conservative-run council has resigned from his party over huge changes to the benefits system and will sit as an independent member. Dudley councillor Pete Lowe said welfare cuts announced on Tuesday were "the final straw" after months of heart-searching and tears.

Dudley's 'heartbroken ' Labour Group leader has quit the party he has served for more than four decades over the national party's welfare cuts. Pete Lowe said he could no longer attack the ruling Conservative administration in Dudley for cutting support to the most vulnerable while the Government did the same.

The leader of Dudley Council's opposition Labour group has quit the party in protest against the Government's plan to cut benefits.