THE long-standing Tory majority on Rochford District Council could soon face a stiffer challenge after three independent councillors joined forces with the opposition.

Toby Mountain, Phil Capon and Tracy Capon have all resigned from the Conservative group in the past 12 months and have now joined forces with councillors from the Rochford District Residents and Green party, to form a seven-strong alliance.

John Mason, Rochford District Residents councillor for Hawkwell West, will continue as leader of the group, which formed when Mr Mason and his wife, Christine, joined with Michael and Diane Hoy, of the Greens, after last May’s elections.

Mr Mason said: “We welcome Phil, Toby and Tracy joining us. All three are very experienced councillors, who are respected in their wards for the work they do for residents.

“Our residents group already covers the whole of the Rochford district, but with the additions to the ‘team’, we will have widened our coverage to a representative in Rayleigh, the west of the district.

“Furthermore, there will be closer shadowing overall of the Conservative cabinet.”

Mr Mountain, who represents Sweyne Park ward, left the Conservative group, led by council leader Terry Cutmore, last February following controversy over a decision to introduce Saturday afternoon parking charges.

Mr and Mrs Capon, councillors in Hawkwell South, and Ashingdon and Canewdon respectively, followed suit in October after they were deselected by the Tories for this year’s elections.

The trio will join Christine Mason in seeking re-election in May for Rochford District Residents.

Mr Capon said: “I feel by joining Rochford District Residents, I can best represent the people who live in the ward without being bound by national party policies.

“I look forward to working with the other members of the group whose sole aim is to do what is best for the district and not for one party.”

Since leaving the Tories last year, Mr Mountain has engaged in several open discussions with the Rochford District Residents group.

He said: “Uniting to create a strong and effective non-whipped group of residents, representing residents, willing and able to challenge the current administration, presents a fresh choice at the local elections in May.”

The Tories still lead the council with a majority of 25 out of 39 seats.

UKIP leader not at 'crucial' committee

LEADER of the opposition, John Mason, has lambasted Ukip for failing to provide a representative to a key council committee.

Rochford District Council is interviewing for three new chief officer positions as part of a staff restructure.

The appointments committee was put together to reflect the political make up of the council, meaning Ukip should have had a representative.

Their group leader, John Hayter, was set to attend, but pulled out of the committee at short notice due to his commitments as a prospective parliamentary candidate for Ukip.

Mr Mason said: “Ukip is flunking responsibility, rather than doing the job they were elected for. Do people want to vote for a party locally that is only interested in using your vote as a platform for greater political power?”

Mr Hayter countered the claims, saying his attendance record at meetings is good.

He said: “Ukip has done an awful lot in our time on the council. Unfortunately,Iwas not aware of the level of commitment the committee required and I informed the council I could not fulfil it.”