FURIOUS Lib Dems are calling for the resignation of the Mayor of Worthing, who today announced he is defecting to the Tories.

They accused Coun David Chapman of "gross disloyalty" and said the timing of his departure was "particularly distasteful."

He was also branded "selfish" by former colleagues who are still reeling from the untimely political move.

Coun Chapman confirmed the move at a Press briefing this morning, despite recently denying he would quit the party.

He told reporters that his shock defection was due to increasing disaffection with the Liberal Democrats, both nationally and locally.

He also blamed increasing rumours that he might defect and a lack of support from his former colleagues.

And he revealed that he had not been able to resign formally from Worthing Lib Dems because group leader Coun Brian McLuskie had refused to see him.

Coun McLuskie is said to be "incandescent with rage" over Coun Chapman's resignation.

And he may now have a rocky ride when he serves as deputy mayor from next month under Coun McLuskie, who will take over as mayor.

Coun Chapman said: "It had been my intention to delay any decision on my political future until the end of my mayoral year, out of respect for the office."

He said the Liberal Democrats had become increasingly "Left wing," and that he had become "disenchanted" with the local party for the lack of support he has received as mayor.

Coun Chapman will continue to serve as a councillor in Selden Ward until he comes up for re-election in three years.

He said: "I will continue to serve the best interests of my residents, regardless of political persuasion, as I have always done."

Coun Chapman received a personal letter of congratulation from William Hague, leader of the Tory party.

In his letter Mr Hague said: "This is excellent news. I am delighted to hear that you are joining the Conservative group on Worthing Borough Council."

Coun Chapman says he is prepared for a certain amount of alienation from disgruntled former colleagues, but says his true friends will stand by him.

He said: "I have had some personal support from genuine friends in the Liberal Democrats.

"I would be surprised if I didn't meet a certain amount of hostility but any hostility that others may show me is their business.

"But I am very upset that Coun McLuskie has refused to see me. It's not the sort of thing I would have expected from him."

Coun Chapman said was angered by letters sent to him and his wife Dawn, and others printed in the local Press questioning his allegiance to the Liberal Democrats.

The Lib Dems say they have been stabbed in the back on the eve of the council elections on May 6.

They have a copy of a letter sent from Conservative councillor Jason Smith to Coun Tim Dice which discusses the mayor's intention to defect as early as last year.

They say the letter demonstrates the "underhand manner" in which the situation has been manipulated.

Coun Sheila Player, deputy leader of the Lib Dem group, said: "Personally, I consider it an act of gross disloyalty to both his colleagues and his electorate."

She said he has broken the Lib Dem code of conduct and should resign and seek re-election as a Conservative.

Lib Dem leader Mr McLuskie said: "I am both saddened and disappointed by David Chapman's actions, particularly as only last year I and my colleagues defended him from a nasty campaign to prevent him from becoming mayor."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.