The former leader of the Isle of Wight Council's Conservative Party has announced he is stepping down as a councillor, saying he has become "disillusioned" with politics.
Steve Hastings said he "no longer believes in" the flag he was elected under.
He cited "the farce" that engulfed the national Tory leadership campaign and a "lack of governance" for his decision.
Cllr Hastings' resignation means there will now be a by-election in his Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet ward.
A statement from Cllr Hastings said:
"Following what seems to have been a very turbulent two years in politics with Partygate, Paterson, Pincher and Kahn, followed by a lack of governance due to an elongated Conservative campaign to find a new leader and Prime Minister and the farce that has engulfed the leadership since, I have become disillusioned by politics and politicians both nationally and locally.
"I think if you fly a flag you must believe in what it stands for and the flag that I was elected under, I can no longer believe in. I have no wish to change flags or go against the wishes of the electorate of Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet who wanted a Conservative at the time of the last election, therefore I feel I have no alternative but to resign from the council, which I have instigated today.
"This will of course cause a by-election in the ward and residents will have the opportunity to decide again who they wish to represent them at this time.
"It has been a privilege and an honour to have represented the residents of the ward over two elections and I thank residents for the opportunity to do so.
"It has been a pleasure to work alongside members of the Conservative group which consists of a lot of hard working and committed men and women for their residents and I wish them well for the future."
Cllr Hastings was re-elected to his Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet seat in May's local elections.
After former council leader Dave Stewart lost his seat, Cllr Hastings was elected as County Hall's Conservative party leader.
He stepped down in November of last year due to "ill health". He was replaced by Cllr Joe Robertson in the role.
Cllr Hastings has served on the Isle of Wight Council for more than four years.
Cllr Robertson told Isle of Wight Radio:
"I would like to thank Steve for the contribution that he has made during his time on the Isle of Wight Council, particularly in his previous role as Cabinet Member for Heritage, Waste and Environment.
"I wish him and his wife well for the future and their new life in Devon."
Isle of Wight Radio has asked the Isle of Wight Council for details about a by-election.
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