SPECULATION that Wokingham Borough Council will revert to the control of the Conservatives ahead of the local elections appears to be misfounded.
On Tuesday, the two independent councillors withdraw their support for the Wokingham Borough Partnership over concerns with the direction of the draft local plan and allegations of bullying.
However, with just one full council meeting before the local elections, there is little chance that the Lib Dems will be ousted from the corridors of power.
Cllr Jim Frewin, independent member for Shinfield South, told Wokingham Today: “I’ve always maintained my independence, and I’m not crossing the floor.”
This means that while he isn’t supporting the Lib Dem ruling executive, neither is he supporting an alternative administration either.
The three Labour councillors remain in the partnership which, added with the Lib Dem councillors, gives 26 councillors. There are 26 Conservatives, and the mayor has the casting vote.
And, under Wokingham Borough’s constitution, it is not possible to hold a vote of no confidence in the council leader at such short notice: at least 10 days is needed.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We have received notification that the Independent Group has withdrawn from the Wokingham Borough Partnership.
“The Partnership remains in place and there is no impact on the current functioning of the authority.”
