PLANS for a “grand alliance” with both Conservatives and Ukip councillors forming an administration on Tendring Council have been dashed.

The Tories lost their overall majority on the council following a surge in support for Ukip at the local elections two weeks ago.

The Conservatives now have 23 seats and Ukip has 22, leaving the balance of power resting in the hands of the council’s six independent, four Labour, three Holland Residents’ Association, one Liberal Democrat and one Tendring First councillors.

Neil Stock, leader of the Conservative group, wrote to all councillors suggesting an administration was formed that was politically representative.

But it is understood that Ukip councillors voted against the idea at a group meeting on Monday night.

Mr Stock said: “It is work in progress and I don’t want to presume what’s going to happen at next Tuesday’s annual council meeting.

“I made my offer in good faith, but evidently Ukip’s group voted not to go with that – that was a decision for them.

“Whether they want to be in opposition or whether they feel they can take control of the council, we will have to wait to see.

“But as the leader of the largest group, I feel I have a responsibility to put together a good, stable administration.”

It is now thought that the Conservatives will form an administration with the independents.

Both Holland Residents’ Association and Labour have already said they will not work with Mr Stock.

The council leader – who appoints the cabinet – will be chosen by all 60 councillors at the annual council meeting on May 26.

Ukip group leader Mick Skeels, who had been in favour of the plan for a grand alliance, had not responded to the Gazette at the time of going to press.