The former mayor of High Wycombe has called for two district councillors, who controversially defected to the Conservative party earlier this month, to stand down and contest a by-election.

Risborough councillors Gary Hall and Alan Turner joined the Tories in early January, just eight months after they were voted for as independents.

The move came despite one of the Cllr Hall calling the party a “disgrace” in a series on tweets back in February 2015.

Former mayor of High Wycombe, Trevor Snaith, said: “Whilst I was a serving Councillor and Mayor of High Wycombe I had a great deal of respect for Alan Turner and Gary Hall.

“They held their ground and voted with the opposition on issues that mattered to the people of the district - they had little time for the Conservatives and their policies.

“I’m appalled that they have sold out their values and joined the very party they have demonstrated they have no time for.

“I believe they should do the right thing and stand down and put themselves up for re-election.”

Alan Turner said: “I stated my reasons for the decision before and I don’t think I can add to that. Generally speaking I have been received really well.”

Cllr Hall said in a brief statement: “In due course all local households will receive a leaflet with a full explanation of recent events, voters can then judge matters for themselves.”

Cllr Turner confirmed he would not be standing down but Cllr Hall declined to comment about his position.

East Wycombe Independent Party councillor Julia Wassell said: “I think a lot of people join the Conservatives because they are the most successful party and clearly a lot of political people are draw to the power.”

Messages left on the BFP website questioned the pair’s decision and called for them to resign.

‘Lackofmoralfibre’ said: “This a betrayal of the local community. Alan Turner and Gary Hall have sold us out to further their political ambitions. How can they ever be trusted again?”

‘Full_refund’ said: “This is an outrageous abuse. This is not what people voted for and we shouldn't have to wait three more years to wait before we can change it. Hall and Turner should do the honourable things and resign.”

The news follows a voting scandal in which an anonymous poll regarding the future of the pair was closed due to “significant voting irregularities”.

Cllr Hall and Turner join existing Conservative councillor, David Knights, as representatives of an all-Conservative Risborough ward.