Tim Young replaced as leader of Colchester's Labour group

Mr Young, who has led the Labour group on Colchester Council for 20 years, said he is still coming to terms with the decision.

At the group’s general annual meeting last night, members voted by a majority to make Greenstead councillor Tina Bourne the new leader.

Chris Pearson, chairman of the group, said members had recognised it was “time for a refresh.”

He described Mr Young as a “tireless” worker who is “well-known and well thought of.”

Mr Pearson said: "I chaired the group last year and was re-elected chair of the group this year.

"It was decided it was time for a refresh.

"Having taken all of the local election results into account, in terms of the three seats we defended we had very good results with comfortable majorities.

"We were disappointed not to take New Town and Christchurch and recognised how we had not done as well as hoped nationally.

"After 20 years as leader, it was time to have a woman in the role.

"It is the aim of the group to be more engaging with members, starting by opening up the production of Labour's manifesto to all members.

"I have always been in favour of open Government and rallied against having confidential items unless absolutely essential.

"When I was chair of the governance committee for three years the primary aim was to open up what the council does.

"One of the results of that was we had live broadcasts of meetings.

"It is about making sure we are responsive to residents.”

He added: "Tina will bring experience, she will bring knowledge and she also brings a fresh pair of eyes to the role of leader of the group.

“She is not taking up a cabinet position, she will be leading the Labour message across the town of Colchester.

“Tim has been an excellent servant of the Labour Party in Colchester.

“He is well-known and well thought of by Colchester residents, who know how tirelessly he worked on their behalf.

“After 20 years, it was simply time for a refresh.”

Talks between political parties following Thursday’s elections are ongoing.

The result saw the Conservative group slip further away from overall control of the council after the loss of two seats.

The progressive alliance, made up of the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Highwoods Independent groups, looks to have consolidated its hold on the council.

Mr Pearson said: “As for the group, a decision was taken last night to negotiate with the Lib Dems and the Independent Group with a view to forming a coalition to take the council forwards.

“I understand the Lib Dems are holding talks today.”

Mr Young, a Labour councillor since 1992, said: "I am shocked and taken aback and really still just coming to terms with what happened.

"It is a coup. I think things have been planned in advance.

"Tina had a majority and she has taken over as group leader.

"It has come as a huge shock, but it is one I have to come to terms with."

Despite the decision, Mr Young says he will continue to steadfastly support the Labour Party at a local and national level.

"The Labour Party is in my blood," he said.

"I will carry on representing Greenstead.

"I have just been re-elected therefore I will represent them to the best of my ability as I always have."

He added: "I don't think the decision had anything to do with my ability or my politics.

“I think there are personal issues involved.”

Mr Young went on to describe councillor Pearson’s explanation of the decision as “nonsense” and “spin”.

Ready - Tina Bourne hopes to drive Colchester's Labour group forward

Mrs Bourne said she feels “prepared and ready” to take Colchester's Labour group forward.

“I think it is a shame Tim used those words,” she said.

“It is up to every Labour group member to take this step.

“At any AGM someone can be nominated and the people will vote for their preference.

“All groups have an AGM after the election and it is a chance for members to talk about how we want to go forwards.

“It is an honour to serve as Labour group leader.

“I am always prepared – I was a girl scout so it is our motto – and I am ready to take on the role.

“I think the election result was disappointing nationally.

“I am also disappointed for our two female Labour candidates who lost out in seats we really wanted to win.

“They didn’t get over the line and it is a shame, as I want to increase the representation of women on this council.”

Mrs Bourne said her focus is primarily on fixing a “disconnect” between the group and the wider Labour party.

“It is a chance to refresh what Labour means in Colchester,” she said.

“This is what the group is really looking for.

“We want to connect with the party – sometimes there has been a disconnect between the party and the Labour group and it is up to me to do something about that.”