PLANS for a “grand alliance” with the Conservatives and Ukip councillors joining forces to run Tendring Council have been dashed.

The Conservatives lost their overall majority following a surge in support for the Eurosceptic party at the local elections on May 7.

The Tories now have 23 seats and Ukip has 22, which left the balance of power on the authority resting in the hands of the council’s six Independent, four Labour, three Holland Residents’ Association, one Liberal Democrat and one Tendring First councillors.

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

Neil Stock, leader of the Conservative group, has written to all councillors suggesting an administration is formed that is politically representative.

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

It is now expected that the Conservatives will form an administration with the Independents and the support of Lib Dem Gary Scott.

Mr Stock, of Little Bromley, 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. "