Basildon Council turned Tory last night - but a Lib Dem chairman still holds the casting vote.

The meeting to decide the future of the council was called following the resignation of the Labour group.

Although Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the two Labour Independents voted against a Tory administration, chairman Joe White decided to use his casting vote to allow in Tory leader Malcolm Buckley and his team.

Although politically Mr White would not be a natural supporter of the Conservative group, he explained that having an administration was in the interests of the district.

Liberal Democrat leader Geoff Williams said: "I know it was with a heavy heart he did what he did. But we will continue to oppose Conservative policies wherever necessary."

But new council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "We think as the largest group we have got a moral duty to run the council."

Published Friday November 8, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo