The UK Independence Party has shown unlikely solidarity for a former Conservative councillor who was deselected by her party.

Rosemary Gilligan, who has devoted 13 years to the Conservative group in Hertsmere, was elected in May last year for a four-year term.

But a change in the authority’s constitution means all seats on the authority will be contested on May 7, and Cllr Gilligan was not selected to stand again.

Frank Ward, the chairman of Hertsmere’s UKIP Party, has decided to withdraw his candidate from Shenley to give Cllr Gilligan more of a chance to hold the seat as an Independent.

Last year, Cllr Gilligan was elected with 749 votes, while the UK Independence Party candidate came second with just 260 votes.

Mr Ward, who is also UKIP’s parliamentary candidate, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the Cllr Gilligan’s de-selection.

In a statement, he said: “I have known the Gilligan family for over thirty years and her father and mother were both personal friends of my wife and myself, despite the fact we were on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

“This sudden deselection is even more difficult to comprehend when considered in the context of the dedication and the position Rosemary's late father and mother held within the Conservative Party in Hertsmere.

“Tim Gilligan, a former Colonel who served in World War Two, was also deputy leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, a former mayor and when he retired from the council became Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and latterly was honoured by the Queen with an OBE.”

Mr Ward went on to say that Col Gilligan’s home became an “important and exclusive” part of the fundraising activities of the Hertsmere Conservative Association.

He added: “Many of the events held were attended by those who have now delivered a damning judgement on his daughter.

“Now Rosemary is coming to terms with this humiliating denunciation within the community in which she lives by those she had the right to believe were her politic allies and friends.

“This will render added credence to the public’s perception of the sinister machinations even within local politics."

He added: “We want Cllr Gilligan to be judged on the merit of having been elected last year by the people who live in that community who may desire to retain her as their local champion and councillor, irrespective of what party she represents.

“We are required to demonstrate some modicum of integrity and decorum if we are to retain the respect and trust of those we desire to cast their votes.”

Fellow Conservative councillors for Borehamwood, Sandra Parnell and Clive Butchins, who all have 21 years of service between them, have not been reselected either. Leslie Winters for Bushey is also standing as an Independent candidate after being deselected.