A LABOUR councillor has quit the party after being controversially rejected as a candidate for the 2012 local council elections.

Eddie Carrick this week resigned from the Clackmannanshire Council Labour Group, and has also left the Labour party after 36 years as a member.

He will now serve the rest of the term until the local government elections in May 2012 as an independent councillor.

Mr Carrick was one of two Labour councillors representing the Clackmannanshire West ward and, together with George Matchett, he had indicated that he wished to stand for re-election next year.

But the two sitting councillors faced a "surprise" challenge to be Labour's candidates in the West ward - and Mr Carrick lost out in a vote held by the party's local branch.

Now, should he feel he has sufficient support, Mr Carrick will seriously consider standing as an independent in next May's elections - against the Labour candidates.

Mr Carrick told the Advertiser, "I was very surprised that George and myself faced a challenger as I thought we were doing a good job.

"It's generally accepted that sitting councillors who are prepared to stand again do not face a challenge, so it came as a shock.

"I was only told the night before the vote took place that there was a challenger. It all happened within 24 hours.

"I'm annoyed, deeply upset and angry. I believe I've done a good job for the people of Menstrie and Tullibody over the past 10 years, and I was happy to put my record on the line and let the voters decide, but that's been taken away.

"After 36 years with the Labour party, that's the thanks I get."

Councillors Carrick and Matchett were challenged by party member Jim Stalker, and the local branch therefore voted to find out which two of the three would represent Labour at the election.

It's understood the vote involved just six people - with four voting for Mr Stalker, and Mr Carrick and Mr Matchett receiving one vote each. Mr Matchett then defeated Mr Carrick in a second vote.

Mr Carrick said, "I don't think Mr Stalker's decision to challenge George and myself was anything personal, but I don't believe he has any strong interest in the people of Tullibody and Menstrie - he's just looking for a seat."

Mr Carrick had been a Labour councillor in Clackmannanshire for 10 years, and previously served as a councillor in the Stirling area, being first elected in 1982.

Despite his resignation this week, council leader, Rev. Sam Ovens, has asked him to continue in his role as the council's sustainability portfolio holder, and Mr Carrick has agreed to do so.

However, his decision to quit the Labour group could have implications for the current ruling administration in the months leading up to the election.

Labour now have seven councillors, the same number as the SNP.

Mr Carrick said, "I'm keeping my options open. I am considering standing as an independent. It would mean the people of Tullibody and Menstrie would decide whether they wanted me to be their representative. If they didn't, I would be able to accept that.

"What I can't accept is the way I have been de-selected by the Labour party."

Rev. Sam Ovens paid tribute to Mr Carrick for his work as a councillor.

He said, "Eddie has made a greatly valued contribution to the well being of the county and I am pleased he has agreed to my wish that he continues to lead his portfolio.

"I very much regret that Eddie has taken this decision, but I want to personally put on record my thanks and to recognise the major role he has played in the county.

"Eddie was the lead in ensuring the new bridge was named after Clackmannanshire, and he played his part in the three new schools, the by-pass, the upgrading of Alloa town centre, the railway and the landscape partnership.

"I genuinely believe he has made a great contribution."

Mr Stalker also said he wished to pay tribute to Mr Carrick for his many years of loyal service as a Labour councillor in Clackmannanshire and Stirling.

Regarding his selction as a candidate, Mr Stalker added, "It is correct that I have been selected as one of the Labour Party candidates for Tullibody and Menstrie in the Local Government Elections in May 2012.

"The selection of candidates was an open democratic process organised according to Labour Party rules and I am delighted that I have been chosen to go forward with the trust and support of party members.

"No individual has the right to participate in the selection process without challenge, and the Labour Party in Scotland is keen to attract new candidates with new ideas.

"I was born and brought up in Clackmannanshrie and have been involved with many local groups and community projects.

"It would be a great honour to serve the people of Clackmannanshire, in particular the residents of Tullibody and Menstrie."