ANOTHER member of Maldon District Council (MDC) resigned from the Conservative group this afternoon (Wednesday, 21 October).

Councillor Karl Jarvis, who represents Wickham Bishops, joined the ranks of the non-aligned Conservatives at the council.

There are now only three more members in the Tory group than in the non-aligned Tory group.

The move leaves the tally of members at MDC as:

Conservative group: 9 members

Independent group: 13 members

Non-aligned Independents: 2 members

Non-aligned Conservatives: 6

Vacancy :1

The news comes just days after Councillor Richard Siddall, originally Conservative, joined the Independent group.

Political fireworks are now possible at the council's Statutory Annual Meeting on 5 November, where the role of council leader and the make-up of committees will be voted on.

The reasons for Cllr Jarvis's decision are not yet known.