Independent councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox has been elected the new leader of the Isle of Wight Council, after the Island's Conservatives failed to secure enough votes.
Cllr Peacey-Wilcox received 20 out of a possible 38 votes at tonight's Full Council meeting.
There would usually be 39 votes cast, but Labour's Cllr Richard Quigley was not in attendance.
The so-called Alliance Group included votes from the Lib Dems, Greens, Our Island, Vectis Party and independents.
The Conservatives secured 18 votes, but it wasn't enough to fight off the coalition of councillors.
Conservative leader cllr Steve Hastings told Isle of Wight Radio "it just came down to numbers". He promised to provide a "robust" opposition - and said talk has already turned to forming a shadow cabinet.
In her opening statement to the chamber, new leader Cllr Peacey-Wilcox said:
"Luckily in the past few weeks with the new councillors, we have formed a great team. They all stepped up to the mark superbly. First thing I'm utterly delighted after wanting cllr Geoff Brodie in the chair, he has agreed. He has been utterly valuable at our side. Cllr Claire Critchison thanks for taking on the role of vice-chairman.
"Good luck team alliance!"
Ian Stephens, a former council leader, has been elected deputy leader, taking over from outgoing Conservative cllr Stuart Hutchison.
Cllr Chris Jarman is the new cabinet member for resources, Cllr Phil Jordan is for infrastructure and transport, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans is the regeneration cabinet member and Cllr Debbie Andre is the education and children's services member.
A former vice-chairman and chairman of the council herself, Cllr Peacey-Wilcox is expected to be the leader for the next four years.
A vote for a new leader was needed after Dave Stewart lost his seat in the Chale, Niton and Shorwell ward to the Green Party's Claire Critchison.
Following this month's election, no party received enough seats to gain majority control. It meant the council had been left in a state of 'No Overall Control'.
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