A SCOTTISH councillor who used to represent the SNP has switched to the Tories, labelling his former party “a far-left extremist movement”.

Andrew Wood, who represents the Mid and Upper Nithsdale Ward in Dumfries and Galloway, said the party had changed due to a “major influx of disenfranchised Labour supporters, plus Yes campaigners”.

The SNP said the councillor had left their party months ago, adding: “And he seems to have left reality behind as well with comments like that."

He quit the SNP in July last year after failing to win a more senior role in the council.

Wood then sat as an independent, saying at the time that he was doing so “out of respect” as he owed it to his voters and other party members “not to join another party”.

The councillor has since changed his mind and joined the Conservatives as a member of the opposition.

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He said he felt the Tories had “a more balanced and reasoned approach to delivering a Scotland that offers business the chance to grow” and would do a better job of supporting “those less fortunate within our society”.

Dumfries and Galloway council is currently controlled by a Labour-SNP coalition.

Wood said: “The SNP has changed dramatically since the last referendum on independence, with a major influx of disenfranchised Labour supporters, plus Yes campaigners.

“The SNP is no longer a slightly left of centre party but a far-left extremist movement that is buying votes by giving out freebies, passing legislation that gives greater state control while curtailing free speech, misleading a membership in the belief that Scotland can rejoin the EU, and regain our fishing rights offering a wealthy and prosperous outcome.

“Yes, any nation can operate an independent nation, but it is about what kind of nation we want.

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“In recent years Scotland has only managed to generate eight per cent of the UK’s total revenues from taxes and oil.

“However we benefited from 9.3% of the UK’s total spending on public services such as the NHS, schools and pensions.

“So let’s be honest, in that reducing such a deficit requires more tax rises and greater public spending cuts.

“I know many SNP members will not like to read the truth, but at present Scotland is benefiting financially from being in the UK.”

The SNP has been asked for comment.