Opposition leader reckons ruling party's 'days are numbered' after Tory rebellion at district council

ALAN LEAMAN INSISTS LIBERAL DEMOCRATS 'WILL HAVE A CENTRAL ROLE IN WHATEVER EMERGES'

- By SIMON FINLAY Local democracy reporter

LEADERS of Sevenoaks District Council, which is now under no overall control due to nine Conservative desertions, have been told their days in power "are numbered".

The Tory administration, led by Roddy Hogarth, was plunged into turmoil on Thursday, May 15 when seven of its councillors resigned the whip and formed a new group, the West Kent Independents (WKI). Two more members followed shortly after.

Last week, opposition groups either abstained or voted for Cllr Hogarth's Cabinet posts and key committee appointments to allow the council to carry out its statutory functions.

The rebellion has left the Conservatives with 24 members, the Liberal Democrats 14, West Kent Independents nine, Green Party four, and three other Independents. The Tories are six shy of a majority.

The resignations were prompted because WKI members are unhappy with some of Cllr Hogarth's choice of Cabinet members. Rumours abound that more Conservatives will leave the ruling group, increasing the possibility of a new alliance taking over later this summer.