FOUR Conservative councillors have formed a break away 'Democratic Alliance' group on Maldon District Council.

While the group all remain Conservative Party councillors, they have broken away from the Tory group on the local authority and have now moved from their 'non-aligned' status to form the new alliance.

Their move yesterday (Tuesday, 3 November) came two days before the council's Annual Statutory Meeting, where either Conservative Councillor Elaine Bamford, current council leader, will be ratified in the leader role - or a new leader will be selected.

The outcome of the online meeting tomorrow (Thursday, 5 November) - the same day that the nation goes into a new lockdown - is currently unpredictable as the number of councillors in the Independent group numbers 15 and the total number of Conservatives is also 15 (divided between the main Tory group, the new Democratic Alliance group and one non-aligned Conservative member).

There is one vacancy on the council which, due to the Coronavirus Act, cannot now be filled until May 2021 at the earliest.

The recently selected leader of the Independent group is Councillor Wendy Stamp.

The four Democratic Alliance group Conservatives are:

• Councillor Adrian Fluker, previous council leader and member representing Southminster ward
• Councillor Bob Boyce, member representing Althorne ward
• Councillor Richard Dewick, member representing Tillingham ward
• Councillor Michael Helm, member representing Mayland ward.

According to the status of councillors on the authority's website, it also appears that Conservative Councillor Maddie Thompson, member for Tolleshunt D'Arcy, has rejoined the Conservative group on the council after leaving it in September.

Democratic Alliance groups currently exist on other local councils in England – one example is East Devon District Council, where a large group of councillors from different political parties has formed a new group. The councillors retain their party affiliations or independent status while operating as members of the alliance, sharing some stated key aims or goals.

The Statutory Annual Meeting will also see the selection of a new deputy council leader and the chairs and membership of council committees.