Council's Conservatives set to lose majority

The Conservatives are set to lose their majority on Shropshire Council, due to the defection of two councillors.

The BBC understands that Steve Davenport, the councillor for St Martin's near Oswestry and a former Conservative cabinet member, has already resigned from the party. John Price, representing Oswestry East, is expected to resign in the coming days.

They are both set to join a newly-formed political organisation called Shropshire First.

Both councillors are listed as directors for Shropshire First C.I.C, and will sit as independents.

With their departures, the Conservatives would remain the largest on Shropshire Council, but would be reduced to 37 out of 74 councillors.

The new group has been formed ahead of May's local elections, with an official launch set to happen in February.

According to its first Youtube video, Shropshire First is "dedicated solely to the needs of our county, free from the constraints of national party agendas".

It said members would be focused on making a difference at town and county levels, and listed reliable bin collections, accessibility to healthcare, and maintaining roads as issues they would focus on.

"Our goal is simple, to put the people of Shropshire first, rising above the political rhetoric and career ambitions that often overshadow genuine local concerns," it added.

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