TORIES in the Ribble Valley have reshuffled at the top in a bid to seize control of the borough's hung council.

The Conservatives lost control of the council in the 1995 elections after a 50-50 split in the number of seats with the Liberal Democrats.

Since then lone Labour member Bert Jones has held the balance of power with a casting vote.

Now the Tories have announced a leadership shuffle and aim to go "all-out" to regain control of the council at next year's elections.

Out is leader Chris Holtom, along with deputy Charles Warkman. And second deputy Peter Redpath takes over as leader, with Derek Waller and Harry Backhouse in support.

Coun Redpath, who represents Read and is a former company director, said the reshuffle would allow the Tory group to make the "maximum impact" in the run-up to next year's elections."

Chris Holtom, who represents Wilpshire on the borough council and Ribble Valley South-West on Lancashire County Council, said the reorganisation "wasn't a coup" and had been amicably agreed.

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