Cllr Andy Blatchford, of College Town ward, was only elected a fortnight ago by his fellow councillors to become mayor for the remainder of the year – in the wake of Cllr Alan Kendall’s death last November – but it was later revealed that he had been de-selected by the Windsor Conservative Association (WCA), following an interview.

He said that while he would not be able to represent his residents on the borough council after May, he hoped to continue his role as a councillor for Bracknell Town Council.

He said: “Of course I am disappointed by the decision to de-select me but that is the nature of democracy. We have lots of talent around and the Conservative Party will choose whoever they believe is right to represent them.

“I was not feeling very well on the day of my interview as I had a stinking cold, so I did not perform as well as I could have on the day. At the end of the day I have had my time and I have been told by my residents that I am doing a great job.

“I have been a Tory since I was a teenager and I intend to stay that way.” Cllr Will Davison, of Hanworth ward, defected to UKIP after learning that he was de-selected by the Conservatives.

He said: “I was still going through the process of selection when I considered leaving and really wanted to change. I have become increasingly disenchanted with the actions of the Conservatives both locally and in the Coalition Government. I am just really pleased I am out of the Conservatives.” Mr Davison added that a further four councillors had been de-selected, including one from the council’s executive, but their names have not yet been released.

However Cllr Paul Bettison, leader of the borough council, said he was surprised that Cllr Davison had a problem with the Conservatives’ policies.

He said: ““It didn’t come as a total bolt out of the blue, but I was very sorry to see him go to UKIP. I am very surprised that he said the reason for his going was that he had a problem with Conservative policies, as he didn’t seem to have a problem when he was interviewed for selection earlier this month.

“He was happy with Conservative policy both nationally and locally – either this is a revelation or he wasn’t entirely truthful at his interview.” “I would be a little bit concerned about his grasp of party policy because there is only one party offering a referendum on Europe and he has just left it. I will work with anyone for the people of Bracknell Forest – I will not be shunning him in the council chamber or outside it.” Conservative councillor Chas Baily, of Hanworth ward, has also been de-selected, as well as Tory councillor Brenda Wilson, of Binfield with Warfield ward, who announced her de-selection in December. She had previously accused the WCA of discrimination against her use of her wheelchair as the reason for her de-selection — a claim the WCA strongly denies.