A COALITION with the Independent group has seen the Conservatives virtually take control of Epping Forest District Council.

The May 4 elections saw the Conservatives come back with 29 seats, just one short of the number required to take overall control.

But through a deal with the Independent group, which gives former leader John Knapman a seat on the cabinet, the party is now in the box seat.

The motion to make Di Collins leader of the council with seven Conservative councillors and Mr Knapman in the cabinet was passed at last week's annual meeting.

But the move, which succeeded thanks to the additional Independent votes, met considerable opposition.

Liberal Democrat Jon Whitehouse said: "I cannot agree this is the right route for the council. I'm not convinced they will be making the best use of the legacy they're likely to inherit, and whoever does take control has a very good position to start from."

Previously when there has been no party in overall control a pro-rata system has been used, whereby groups are allocated seats on the cabinet based on their size in the chamber.

Stephen Murray, an Independent but not part of the coalition, said: "I find it disturbing that the Conservatives who have a lot to offer but only 50 per cent of the seats will have eight or nine seats in the cabinet.

"They should have at least five places but other groups have a considerable amount to offer and pro rata is worth keeping because it worked well."

He also criticised his fellow non-affiliated members.

"If one of the Independent group gets into bed with the Conservatives, then that is not independent," he said.

But Mr Knapman, who was allocated the finance, performance management and corporate support services portfolio, defended the move.

He said: "What we need is some strong sense of purpose and what we get with this coalition is experience. If we go on with pro rata we put these things at risk and if we don't go down this road we risk the chaos we had last time."

The cabinet members, with their portfolios, are: Di Collins (leader), Stephen Metcalfe (customer services, media, communications and ICT), Syd Stavrou (community well-being), John Knapman (finance, performance management and corporate support services), Andrew Green (civil engineering and maintenance), David Stallan (housing), deputy leader Chris Whitbread (leisure and youth services), Anne Grigg (planning and economic development), Mary Sartin (environmental protection).