ONE of the two founding members of the UK Independence Party's West Cumbria branch has resigned from the party.

Councillor Mark Jenkinson said he had quit over concerns about the party's approach to the EU referendum and issues over internal democracy.

The father-of-four joined the party four years ago and was chairman of its Cumbria branch for a short time.

Along with Mark Little, he was responsible for launching the West Cumbrian branch.

He served as its chairman from August 2012 before handing over to David Wilson to focus on last year's General Election campaign.

He stood as UKIP's Workington candidate in the General Election, coming third.

One the same day, he was elected to represent Seaton on Allerdale council and the parish council.

Late last year, he was co-opted to Camerton Parish Council.

Coun Jenkinson, 34, of Rose Beck, Seaton, said he had not ruled out a return to the party, or another party, in the future.

He said: "We'll just have to see what happens. The party has promised things are going to change.

"If they do I may renew my membership but I wasn't willing to stay on the basis of promises.

"I have always had an open mind. I was a Labour supporter for many years.

"I was a very brief member of the Tory party. I have been a public face of UKIP for four years. I don't rule anything out but I have no plans.

"I think the best thing I can do for the people of Seaton is not be politically aligned at this time."

He added that his decision to leave was not a reflection on the branch.

He said: "I'm very proud of the work that we did as a branch. The local membership are extremely hard working."

Coun Jenkinson currently sits on Allerdale council's development panel.

It is not yet known how his party resignation will affect his place on the committee, or UKIP's other committee seats.