A SECOND Ribble Valley councillor has suddenly resigned, paving the way for a double by-election in the borough.

The future of the area's split council already hung in the balance following the resignation of Chipping representative Richard Walne at a meeting on Tuesday.

The young Tory told councillors in a letter that he was now working in the North East and could no longer represent his constituents.

Now Gisburn representative Derek Waller, who is deputy leader of the council's Conservative group, has followed suit and plans to move to the South of England.

The council is currently split between the Liberal Democrats and Tories, with lone Labour councillor Bert Jones holding the balance of power. The departure of the two councillors has paved the way for a battle for control of the hung council.

Liberal Democrat leader Howel Jones said his party would be going all-out to win the two by-elections and seize control.

But Tory leader Peter Redpath said a candidate had already been chosen for Chipping and his party would fight tooth and nail to retain the two seats.

He also paid tribute to Coun Waller, who had been an "active and worthwhile member of the council."

"Coun Waller has played an enormous part in dealing with issues of great complexity, particularly planning and environmental matters. He will be greatly missed," he said.

A council spokesman said a date for the by-elections had not yet been set.

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