AN INDEPENDENT Newport councillor is asking his constituents whether he should defect to the Labour party.

Bettws councillor Kevin Whitehead, who is one of only two independent members sitting on the city council, said he was finding it increasingly difficult to get things done for residents and believes he would be able to do a lot more for them with the support of a party.

So he has taken to his Facebook page to ask residents, who live on what was Wales' biggest former council estate, what they think.

He said he had recently found Labour members very helpful in getting information for him on behalf of his electors, which made the service he gives to them better and faster.

His independent colleague Cllr Noel Trigg said he's sad to see him go.

Cllr Whitehead said he wanted to get feedback from those who elected him last year before he made a decision.

He said: "As an independent, I am fighting a battle on my own. Bettws is the biggest estate in Wales so it will have the biggest number of social issues and questions to the councillor."

"I am coming to the point that I need help. I can pick up the phone and within a day they (Labour cabinet members) are back to me with answers, whereas on my own it's taking me longer.

"It just makes sense really, it's not a political decision - these people can help me.

"Should I join Labour I can be very active and I'll follow what's good for Bettws. I hope I've done it the right way - I've been transparent."

Cllr Whitehead said he will make a decision early this week.

Conservative councillor David Fouweather said of the potential move: "We are not surprised he's joined Labour - now at least Labour have a councillor that actually lives in the ward.

"However Kevin must remember all the cuts currently being made by Labour. He will have to shoulder some of the blame them and the residents of Bettws won’t thank him for that."

Cllr Noel Trigg, Cllr Whitehead's fellow independent councillor, said: "I am disappointed but Kevin is a great chap and a good friend of mine.

"It's entirely up to Kevin what he wants to do... I'm sorry to see him go."

Bob Bright, leader of the Newport council Labour group, welcomed Cllr Whitehead, saying: "Kevin has shown a natural affinity with the Labour party in the council chamber.

"He will be an asset to the Labour Party and the group in Newport."