THE leader of the Liberal Democrats on Malvern Hills District Council has paid tribute to a long-serving colleague following his decision to defect to the Green party.

Clive Smith, who had represented the Lib Dems in local government for more than 35 years, made his shock announcement last week.

Tom Wells admitted he was sad to lose Coun Smith but wished him well.

“For me he is a legend. He has been involved in local government for as long as I can remember,” he said.

“There are very few councillors that have put in the amount of work Clive has done and I wish him well.”