A TOP Ukip councillor has defected to the Tories after saying the party had become "toxified" by turmoil in the party.

Cllr Chris Wood, who represented Ukip on Hampshire County Council and Fareham Council, revealed this morning that he has ended his four-and-a-half-year stint with the party.

He has previously courted controversy after questioning the BBC for casting a black actor in a 'white' role and described Hampshire County Council as "outrageously irresponsible" after it dumped confidential documents in an abandoned building.

And in a statement this morning he referenced the alleged violence that left Ukip leadership candidate Steven Woolfe in hospital.

Cllr Wood said: "I have not taken this decision lightly - there are many good and decent people in Ukip who I regard as friends.

"However I don't believe in opposition for opposition's sake.

"Many will recognise that Ukip has become toxified over the last 18 months through comment about HIV and AIDS among other issues such as Nigel's un-resignation.

"In recent weeks an out-of-touch and un-reformable National Executive Committee, Diane James' 18-day stint as leader, and alleged violence in the European Parliament have been the final straw.

"It is an exciting time for our nation.

"The Conservative Party will deliver Brexit and I wholeheartedly support Theresa May's leadership."

Cllr Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Council, said: "Delighted to welcome former Ukip councillor Chris Wood back to Fareham Tories today.

"I very much look forward to working with him."

Fareham Council is now comprised of 25 Conservatives, four Liberal Democrats, one Ukip and one independent.