Tories to run Southampton council (From This is Hampshire)

Tories to run Southampton council

4:43pm Wednesday 16th May 2007

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SOUTHAMPTON City Council will be run by the conservatives.

The shock decision means the tories will be in charge of the authority for the first time in 23 years.

The drama unfolded as councillors gathered to elect a new leader at the Civic Centre last night.

Liberal Democrat councillor Norah Goss split with her party to prevent a Labour administration being formed on the casting vote of the new Labour mayor.

She instead voted to put in the Conservative group whilst her former colleagues abstained.

Her vote was enough to see councillor Alec Samuels elected as leader of the council despite Labour opposition.

Cllr Goss, now an independent councillor, said she could not let a Labour administration ruin the hard work of her former colleagues who have been the previous minority administration for the past four years.

Liberal Democrats pledged to retain their independence.

For more see today's Southern Daily Echo

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