The growing row in Conservative ranks could have serious implications for Castle Point Council business, leader Dave Wells has claimed.

Important decisions affecting the running of the council and its service to the public could be delayed because the ruling Labour group does not know which councillor Conservatives want as their leader, he said.

Twelve out of the 16 opposition members have passed a motion of no confidence in elected leader Doug Roberts but on Monday he told the Echo he would refuse to resign.

Jeffrey Stanley (Con, Canvey South), spokesman for the disaffected dozen, said they were angry at Mr Roberts's decision to stand his ground and said: "Relations between ourselves and Mr Roberts have broken down irreparably."

Mr Wells said: "We have to interact with the opposition group in order to do council business but we don't know what the working relationship is at the moment because we don't know who they want as their leader."

Mr Roberts declined to comment yesterday. When the motion of no confidence was passed by Conservative members on December 7 they said they would wait for Mr Roberts to decide whether he wanted to stand down before taking further action.

However, Mr Stanley said yesterday the intention at the next group meeting on December 28 will be to "find a leader who governs the confidence and support of the majority of members."

Castle Point borough solicitor Alison Henwood said the legality of decision-making would not be affected.

However, Mr Wells said: "Take the Thames Gateway for example. I have been empowered by the council to speak to the leader of the opposition to find common ground in our planned bids. Who do I speak to? Doug Roberts or Jeffrey Stanley?"

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