A RAINBOW alliance involving most parties could be formed to run Tendring Council.

The Tories lost their majority following a surge in support for Ukip at the local elections on May 7.

The Tories have 23 seats and Ukip 22, which left the balance of power in the hands of six independent, four Labour, three Holland Residents’ Association, one Liberal Democrat and one Tendring First councillors.

The council leader – who appoints the cabinet – will be chosen by all 60 councillors at the annual council meeting on May 26.

Neil Stock, leader of the Conservative group, has written to all councillors suggesting an administration is formed that is politically representative.

He said: “The voters of Tendring made their decision at the ballot box and it is now our duty to act on their wishes. The

last thing the residents want to see is four years of political squabbling.

“As leader of the largest group on the council, I feel I have a responsibility to try to create a stable administration

to run the authority, an administration that reflects the views of local people.

“I also acknowledge I do not have the right to deliver solely Conservative ideas – we are all going to have to make compromises to enable the council to run effectively for the good of the district.”

Mr Stock has given councillors until noon today to indicate their support for the plan.

Speaking to the Gazette, he said he was disappointed so many Conservatives had lost seats at the election, but that

“grown-up conversations” were taking place to avoid the situation the council found itself in in 2007 following a Tory split that saw the creation of Tendring First.

He added: “It will be an exciting time if we can keep this positive. We can have a good council for four years and push things forward for Tendring without descending into bickering.”

Ukip group leader Mick Skeels said: “It’s a very good idea – it’s proper proportional representation. Ukip and the Conservatives would have equal amounts of cabinet members.

“It is not an alliance with the Tories, Michael Talbot and the Independent group are there as well. It’s a great way of bringing all the new councillors up to speed quickly. Hopefully it will work out.”

It is understood the agreement would see Conservative Mr Stock run the council as leader with Ukip’s Mr Skeels as deputy.

Mr Talbot said the “grand alliance” could include all members of the council, except Labour councillors who have already said they would not support either Ukip or the Conservatives.

He added: “Whatever happens the council has to reflect the result of the election. The result of the election is that one single party should not be in charge.”

Labour group leader Ivan Henderson said: “The Labour group considers it to be unworkable and unnecessary.

“The Conservatives, Independents and UKIP hold 51 of the 60 seats between them so can form a numerically strong administration without the input of others.

Labour group leader Ivan Henderson added: “The Labour group will not enter or support such an alliance but will undertake the necessary and important role within Tendring Council of providing a constructive opposition.

“On any council it is important that an effective and constructive opposition is in place to provide checks and balances to the administration.

“The Labour group will seek to fulfil that role and will support decisions on a vote by vote basis when we believe them to be in the best interests of the Tendring district.”