INDEPENDENT councillor Adrian Shurmer has thrown Hyndburn Council into turmoil by announcing he will withdraw his support for the ruling Conservative group.

The move means council leader Peter Britcliffe will have to soldier on with a minority administration and rely on winning individual votes at committee meetings.

The independent councillor's "qualified support" allowed the Tories to form their administration after the borough elections in May. The Labour and Conservative groups hold 23 council seats each, with Coun Shurmer the only independent councillor.

Coun Shurmer held a meeting this morning with council head of corporate services David Welsby to discuss the matter. He has not ruled out a possible coalition with the Labour group if it were to be offered.

Coun Shurmer said: "It is over with me and the Tories while Peter Britcliffe is still leader. I am not happy about the way this council is being run. It is not addressing the issues."

The independent councillor's actions come after arguments with the council leader about the former Safeway development in Great Harwood.

Coun Shurmer has written to the Home Office to complain about the conduct of Hyndburn council officers over the development. He has called on the Home Office to launch an inquiry. Council officers have publicly denied any wrongdoing. Coun Shurmer said: "Coun Britcliffe is refusing to back me over the Safeway issue and he has subjected me to ridicule and sarcasm. I am not happy with his leadership. I might give my support back to the Conservatives if there was a change of leader."

Coun Britcliffe said: "I know that Coun Shurmer has held a meeting with David Welsby this morning and I know he had threatened to withdraw his support. But it is my understanding that he has not done it yet.

"One person should not be able to hold the council to ransom. We aim to continue with our policy programme for the people of Hyndburn with or without Coun Shurmer."

Labour group leader Ken Curtis refused to comment on what action his party would take if there was a hung council. He said: "I had heard a rumour about this but nothing concrete until now. I cannot speak for the group until we have met and discussed what to do."

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