DEPUTY council leader John Macklin is still the leader of the Liberal Democrat group despite standing against his own party on May 6.
Cllr Macklin, along with Bob Belam, cabinet member for environment and Bob Carey, chief whip, were all ditched as candidates following a row over the de-selection of Cllr Carey.
All three, none of whom have been suspended from the party, are now standing as independents in Chapel End ward, Walthamstow, against three candidates representing the Lib Dems.
The Guardian understands that under party rules Cllr Macklin can only be removed as leader by a vote at a group meeting, and there is little appetite among members to arrange this so close to the election.
Although Cllr Macklin is officially group leader, it is understood that his deputy Johar Khan is effectively in charge.
Matt Davis, Conservative leader, said the situation was “bonkers.”
But he added:“I'm glad John remains the leader of the Lib Dems on the council and I hope they come to their senses and fully normalise the situation again very soon.”
Cllr Macklin has now publicly stated that the Lib Dems under his watch would not have formed another coalition with Labour after May 6 and would have had discussions about forming an administration with the Tories.
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