NO CONFIDENCE

Derby Tories are to hold a vote of no confidence in their own councillors. The apparent turmoil in the city's Conservative Party comes only a month after its councillors formed an alliance with the Liberal Democrats to take control of the city council from Labour. Members of Derby City Conservative Association (DCCA) have been called to a special general meeting, when they will vote on a motion of no confidence in the Tory group.

A letter, sent to members of the DCCA, states: "The motion to be debated and voted on, as per the requisition of members, shall be 'a motion of no confidence in the Conservative Group on Derby City Council and to empower the association officers to take appropriate action'." It has not been revealed who forwarded the motion, but many Tory supporters are known to be angry that their city councillors agreed to ally with the Lib Dems.

The last local elections left Labour with 25 seats, the Lib Dems with 13, the Tories with 12 and one Independent. This led to the Tories and Lib Dems forming an alliance with Independent Ron Allen. The Tories have four cabinet members - council deputy leader Philip Hickson; Evonne Berry, for regeneration, social inclusion, youth and community; Roy Webb, for social care; and Paul West, for leisure and cultural services. The others are Pauline Latham, Richard Smalley, Peter Berry, Colin Brown, Julie Hickson, Balbir Singh Samra, Ronald Liversedge and Paul Willitts.

DCCA chairman Nick Brown, who signed the letter, was unavailable for comment. But Mr Hickson, Tory group leader, said, "I acknowledge a lot of members have concerns about the two parties joining together. We, as councillors, also have concerns, but it's early days and we don't know how things are going to work out. It's about putting Derby before party politics and I welcome the opportunity to be able to discuss this with a wide group of Conservative members."

He said that passing the motion would have "no real effect" and the association would have no power to kick the councillors out of the party. Council leader and Lib Dem Maurice Burgess said: "This is something for the Conservatives to deal with, but we do have a good working relationship with the Tories on the council and we're aiming to show two different parties can work together for the betterment of the city." Councillor Chris Williamson, Labour group leader, said, "If I'd agreed to a coalition, I would fully have expected my party members to be unhappy. I think this could be the death knell for the Tories in Derby."

Ann Crosby, who is vice-chairman of the city council's planning control committee, is accused of failing to reveal that a planning applicant was a Lib Dem colleague. Councillor Sara Bolton, of the opposition Labour group, made the allegation during a meeting of the committee in January 2004.

Ms Bolton said, "Being a chair or vice-chair on any council committee is a responsibility and we have to lead by example. Councillor Crosby clearly doesn't understand the declaration of interest procedure and, therefore, I will be proposing the vote of no confidence."

Ms Crosby survived a vote of no confidence by 24 to 23 at a full council meeting. Labour councillor Ray Baxter, former planning committee chairman, who seconded the vote of no confidence, said, "Councillor Crosby declared a personal interest in the planning application but she failed to explain the reasons. She did not discuss the matter any further but sat with the public in the gallery. She should have completely left the chamber. This is not about party politics, it is about honesty and integrity in planning."

Ms Crosby told the meeting, "I did declare an interest. I said I knew the applicant and I did not vote on the issue. I did not speak about the application at all and did not declare a prejudicial interest because I considered I did not have one. I was guilty of sitting in the public gallery."