THE leader of the Independent group at Maldon District Council has made a call for "calm" at the troubled authority – and for all councillors to "pull together and focus on the needs" of residents.

The plea from Councillor Mark Heard comes on the morning after it became apparent that the Conservative group at the council had lost overall control. The political balance shifted after Councillor Maddie Thompson left the Tory group to become a 'non-aligned' Conservative member. There are now five councillors who fall into that category at the local authority.

This means there are now 12 councillors in the Independent group, 11 Conservatives, five non-aligned Conservatives, two non-aligned Independents and one current vacancy. The vacancy has been left by the departure of former councillor Bryan Harker two weeks ago.

Speaking to Maldon Nub News, Cllr Heard said: "Independent Councillors have always wanted to work with the Conservatives, not against them.

"Unfortunately, with the previous Conservative leadership, this has been denied time and time again.

"Independent councillors do not have or need party loyalty and our focus is representing our local wards and the effective running of Maldon District Council for the benefit of all those who elected us. Fortunately, some of the newly-elected Conservative members share the independents' view and are seeking to work in cooperation for the betterment of Maldon District Council and the benefit of our residents.

It really is time to stop playing politics now and pull together.

"Independent colleagues are ready for this challenge and I hope that we can now move on, find common values and calm these troubled waters."

The leader of the Conservative group – and currently Leader Designate – of Maldon District Council is Councillor Elaine Bamford.