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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article