The new leader of the Conservative group on Cheshire East told the Labour/Independent administration if he doesn't see improvements soon he will challenge for the leadership.

Speaking at yesterday's meeting of the full council, where Cllr Nick Mannion (Lab) was re-elected as council leader, Knutsford councillor Stewart Gardiner said the Tories' decision not to put forward a candidate for the leadership 'should not be read as support for the administration or its leadership, because it is not'.

Cllr Gardiner said: "It's seven days since I was elected Conservative group leader, and I really would like the dust to settle before taking on any further responsibilities.

"Additionally, I am an advocate for those who create a mess being required to clear it up.

"While Cllr Mannion may have only been in charge the past 10 months, the Labour-led administration has been in place for six years, and they must take responsibility for the position we now find ourselves in.

"They can't just keep blaming Liz Truss."

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Cllr Gardiner said he had supported Cllr Mannion becoming leader last year because he believed it was in the interest of the people of Cheshire East to do so.

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And he said he recognised council staff had worked hard to turn things around 'however, this unfortunately hasn't been enough to satisfy MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) let alone the people we were all elected to serve'.

"If I were to take on the leadership of the council today, because I am unprepared, I doubt it would be wholly successful," said Cllr Gardiner.

"As such I would probably not deliver the best outcomes for the council or the people of Cheshire East.

"However, if I haven't seen significant change in the next 12 or even six months, please note that I would look to form an alliance from within this room and that with my group's support, I would challenge to be the council's leader."