He also said that even if the SNP withdrew their offer to confirm him as Lord Provost, he would still vote with the nationalist party at a council meeting on Monday to determine the new administration.

“I would hope people will judge me on my last eight years and the efforts I have put in on behalf of the city as Lord Provost — a post that I hold dear and would naturally want to continue until my term of office ends,” he said.

The resignation from the group will almost certainly see the SNP take power in the city for the first time next week.

The provost, who will now serve on the council as an independent councillor, has faced scathing criticism since he made the shock announcement. Ex-colleagues in the city, including Dundee West MP Jim McGovern and former councillor Charles Farquhar, have launched strongly-worded attacks on the 74-year-old, accusing him of deserting the party for personal gain so he can retain his role.

Despite widespread condemnation from both his former Labour colleagues and voters, Mr Letford insisted he has made the right call.

He said today he had been having “serious problems” within the Labour group for a number of years.

He added that one of his main concerns was that SNP councillors were being kept out of important positions on the council.

He said, “The people of this city deserve to be represented by the best there is and at the moment that’s not happening.

“For many years I asked Labour to consider a sharing of power among the talent in Dundee, which includes the SNP councillors. But it wasn’t possible, which I think is totally unacceptable.”

He added that he had received support amongst his constituents and remained confident that people would understand his move.

He continued, “I respect the people of the city and their opinions. I have had support from people and any criticism or complaints I receive from them about my decision I have no problem with. It is part and parcel of what I do. I am quite comfortable with that, as I am with my decision.”

Mr Letford also said he resented suggestions that he was resigning for status or financial considerations.

“I have not responded to the criticism,” he said. “It has been unpleasant but not unexpected. When I went down this road I knew that this type of criticism would be forthcoming.

“However, criticism is not always one-way and if it continues I am prepared to respond to it. I am prepared for criticism like that but I am not going to accept statements that are not true.

“Anybody who thought this was an easy decision to make would be barking mad.”

He also said he has no interest in the financial benefits of the Lord Provost role, adding, “I really don’t need the money, I would carry out the Lord Provost duties for nothing.”

Mr Letford, who has served as a Labour member for more than 30 years, made the move following the SNP win in the Maryfield by-election earlier this month.

The makeup of the council now comprises 14 SNP members, eight Labour, three Conservatives, two Liberal Democrats and two Independents.