NATALIE McVey has been ousted as deputy leader of Malvern Hills District Council following a vote of no confidence.
Conservative Jeremy Owenson takes her place and independent councillor John Gallagher is the new council leader following a contentious meeting last night.
Former leader Tom Wells announced his decision to step down earlier this month, amid growing political unrest at the council.
Cllr McVey had refused to step down, saying: “I will not give in to bullies and be made a scapegoat.”
She thanked councillors who spoke in support of her, adding: “Some people in the opposite camp were saying very similar things in support of my appointment as deputy leader, for a third time, only a few months ago.
“The only way that this cobbled together calamitous coalition can appoint themselves to administration is to force me out, despite the fact that I have an excellent track record as deputy leader.
“I have put my heart and soul into the role, and my role as a portfolio holder for housing and poverty alleviation.
“No-one can question my commitment or integrity.”
Cllr Wells said he did not remember there being a vote of no confidence in a councillor in his 30 years on the council.
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Cllr Martin Allen said: “Natalie has always put our residents first and has worked tirelessly to eradicate homelessness in our district.
“I have confidence in Cllr McVey and so should you. Tonight, being decent, honest, brave with true integrity should be enough. But I fear she will see shame in the eyes of some tonight, who will sell their souls for a handful of silver and political advancement.”
Cllr Sarah Rouse said: “This isn’t about Natalie because she’s turned up to every meeting and worked incredibly hard. You only want her gone because you want to form your own administration.”
The vote, introduced by Cllr Owenson, was supported by Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Democratic Independent Group councillors, and saw Cllr McVey removed from her position by 17 votes to 14.
Cllr Owenson won the vote to replace her as deputy leader ahead of independent councillor Peter Whatley.
At the start of the meeting, chairman Daniel Walton said he had chaired four full council meetings and outside of leader’s questions and public discussion, there had only been six agenda items discussed.
“One of those was due to a change in the balance of the council so only five were moving things forward for residents,” he said.
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