A MALDON District councillor has 'crossed the floor' to join the Independent group.

Councillor Richard Siddall – formerly a Conservative member for the Great Totham ward - resigned from the Tory group at the authority last week to become a 'non-aligned Conservative'.

However, today (Tuesday, 13 October) Cllr Siddall was accepted into the Independent group at the council, having decided to leave the Conservative Party.

The move leaves the tally of members at Maldon District Council as:

Conservative group: 10 members

Independent group: 15 members

Non-aligned Independents: 2 members

Non-aligned Conservatives: 5

Vacancy :1

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council (MDC) confirmed Cllr Siddall's change of political allegiance.

Cllr Siddall's move follows the imposition of council sanctions on former council leader, Councillor Adrian Fluker, for breaching the Code of Conduct with bullying and homophobic behaviour against Cllr Siddall. At the time of the harassment, both councillors were members of the Conservative group.

The situation is now critical as MDC will hold its Statutory Annual Meeting on November 5, where key roles including council leader and the chairing and make-up of committees will be decided.