I WOULD like to thank so many people for their kind words of support following my resignation from Worcestershire County Council and I have been truly inspired by some of the wonderful people I have met over the last 12 months.

Due to work commitments, I have found it increasingly difficult to partake in public meetings recently, but in addition, as a firm believer in freedom and equality, I feel I can no longer represent a party which refuses to support gay marriage.

I believe new legislation that allows an individual to marry the person they love, regardless of gender, is a step forward in our country’s development.

Amendments to the new legislation ensures that religious beliefs are respected, allowing faith groups to “opt out” and prevents discrimination cases being brought against them if they choose not to hold such ceremonies.

This new legislation protects the rights of all parties concerned and is what true libertarianism means.

UKIP opposes gay marriage and its narrative has changed from one which supports it “in principle,”

using our membership of the European Court as its argument against it, to one which does not support it at all, with a refusal to clarify its position if Britain were not subject to the court.

This is not compatible with my “live and let live” philosophy.

Rather than label people as gay or straight, I’d much rather use the word “human” and afford the same rights to each individual equally.

My resignation coincides with the upcoming election and I’m pleased to say that the councillors representing Redditch at County Hall are all of a high calibre, working constantly in our town’s best interest.

Former County Councillor Martin Jenkins Arrow Valley East