A COUNCIL leader has survived a motion of no confidence despite three of his Conservative group supporting the opposition move.

Ribble Valley Tory boss Cllr Ken Hind won the vote by 20 to 13.

This was despite Salthill's Cllr Ian Brown, Langho's Paula Dobson and Chipping's Cllr Simon Hore (who chairs the community services committee) voting with the Liberal Democrat motion after heated debate.

The Conservative group will now consider whether to take disciplinary action against the three rebels.

The debate on Tuesday night followed a Lancashire Telegraph investigation which revealed that Cllr Ken Hind was the subject of an official council probe into a bullying complaint from Tory group colleague Cllr Sue Bibby.

A three-month investigation also disclosed police were ‘looking into’ a complaint alleging possible misconduct in public office against Cllr Hind and he may yet be probed by the national Conservative party.

It also revealed his behaviour towards Cllr Bibby sparked the resignation of five councillors from the council Conservative group to from the Democratic Conservatives..

The probe also disclosed that borough chief executive Marshal Scott had accused the council leader of ‘undermining’ the investigation by the Accounts and Audit Sub-Committee conducting it.

Cllr Hind told the debate that his comments had been 'written on the back of an envelope'.

Mr Scott said yesterday: "They were not written on the back of an envelope. It was a considered statement."

Cllr Hind said in reply: "It was a most inappropriate statement for him to make in a public setting."

Moving the motion LibDem leader Cllr Allan Knox said: "I have been a councillor for 21 years and the last few months on this council have been the most chaotic on all my time here.

"We have seen defections, infighting and complaints none of which helps us serve the public any better."

Cllr Hind said: "This motion is about politics and the desire for a less determined and more supine Tory leader in May's local elections.

"My reputation has been dragged through the mud and I have been subjected to trial by newspaper."

His wife Cllr Sue Hind said: "This is a witch hunt."

Democratic Conservative leader Cllr Terry Hill said: "We did not leave the group because we were not Conservatives but because we could not work with Cllr Hind as leader."

Cllr Hore said there had been attempts to 'intimidate' him to vote against the motion but said: "We are asked if we have confidence in Cllr Hind. I am sorry but I do not."

Five Conservative councillors including Cllr Bibby and sub-committee chairman Cllr Stuart Hirst were absent.

Cllr Hind said yesterday: "I am delighted that we can not get on with unifying the Conservative group and draw a line under this.

"I will be speaking to all three councillors who voted for the motion before the Conservative group considers their future."

Cllr Hill said: I am disappointed only three Conservative members voted with us."

Cllr Knox said: “Since Cllr Hind took over, the Conservative majority has dropped from 30 to seven. He should do the right thing and resign."