The outgoing leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council was thanked for her many years of service at a meeting this week, although infighting broke out within the Conservative group over her removal as leader.

Nub News reported recently how the new leader of the district council was officially confirmed following a vote taken at a meeting on Wednesday evening (4th May).

The current leader, Cllr Sybil Ralphs, has now been removed, with Cllr Paul Roberts being elected as the new leader.

A vote was taken, with 34 councillors voting in favour of electing Cllr Roberts and the new leader, and 18 councillors voting in favour of keeping Cllr Ralphs as leader.

It came after the Staffordshire Moorlands Conservative group held a vote at its AGM on Thursday 14th April, during which Cllr Ralphs lost a leadership challenge.

However, at this week's district council meeting Conservative councillors accused certain members of the group of bullying tactics and secrecy, claiming members had been threatened with expulsion if they did not vote to remove Cllr Ralphs as leader.

Cllr Mike Bowen, who is now an independent councillor representing Cheddleton, announced his resignation from the Conservative group over the fallout. He said: "This sorry, deplorable, unprecedented state of affairs is the result of a prolonged and sustained campaign led by a group of dissenters who's grossly inflated egos greatly surpass their limited capacities.

"This group forms a putrid core which is poisoning the Conservative Association. This has led me to believe that I must categorically refuse to have my name linked to the Conservative Association and I have therefore resigned from it."

Independent Cllr John Jones, of the Biddulph Moor ward, called some parts of the Conservative group "despicable" due to the decision.

He said: "Why do we have to remove her? We haven't been given any justification why. I've been on this council for nearly 20 years and have fallen out with people many times without feeling any personal animosity towards anyone, but I am having a great deal of trouble tonight."

Despite the expressions of support Cllr Ralphs was still voted out as leader by a margin of 16 votes.

The new leader, Cllr Paul Roberts, thanked Cllr Ralphs for her service but added that it was time for a change.

He said: "I've got big boots to fill but I will have a go and I hope people respect me for who I am. I will be open and transparent, and anyone can come and talk to me.

"I have picked up things from our previous leader and we can't take away from what she's done in the past, but it's time to move on and it's a new era, and we need to move on for the people of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Let's listen to what they want and work together."

Labour Cllr Mike Gledhill, representing Leek South, added: "I'd like to thank Cllr Ralphs for her time as leader. It has been long and distinguished, but as Cllr Roberts said, times change."

Cllr Ralphs then spoke, discussing her time as leader and the pride she felt for her years in the role. She said: "A democratic process has taken place tonight, although I would still like to know why have been removed.

"I've been coming to this chamber for almost 30 years and every time I walk through the doors I have a feeling of pride. I'm proud of my record and I have never missed a full council meeting, or a cabinet meeting since we have had them. I will miss the assembly, and most of the people."

She added that councillors should be there to improve the quality of life for people in the Moorlands, and not for personal ambition.

She continued: "What I won't miss is what I've gone through over the years. I won't miss the threats, my tyres being slashed, or having paint stripper thrown over my car. I hope that I can now lead a quiet life away from all this.

"I've got an older sister, and I will now concentrate on making her last days as happy as possible. I'd also like to say to the officers, thank you for your immense help, guidance and friendship."

If you would like to watch the meeting in full, visit the webcasting portal on the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council website.