THE Conservative majority on Thurrock Council has been reduced to just one following the decision of East Tilbury councillor Sue Sammons to quit the party whip and stand as an independent.

Cllr Sammons made the decision last night in the wake of the decision by leading councillors in her group to axe local bus services.

Cllr Sammons sat with residents in the public gallery as recommendations to chop the subsidies were unanimously approved by leaders of her party in just ten minutes.

Moments after the vote was taken at the council's cabinet she told Thurrock Nub News that she was on the brink of quitting as the withdrawal of subsidies that will mean the end of the 374 route that links her ward villages of East and West Tilbury and Linford with the rest of the borough, and Basildon, was 'the final straw'.

Cllr Sue Sammons sat with residents in the public gallery last night and said she was angry and disappointed by her councllor colleagues' decision.

And she went public with the decision after contacting Tory leader Cllr Andrew Jefferies this morning.

Cllr Sammons said: "This is to advise everyone that as from yesterday evening (Wednesday, 12 July) I made the decision to leave the Conservative Party and change to an independent councillor.

"This decision I feel is best for this ward and I'll continue to do my best to work with residents as I always have done and hope you I'll understand the decision I have taken.

"Many thanks for continued support."

The decision means that the Conservatives have 25 councillors, Labour 19 and there are now five independents.