A new leader has been elected for the Independent Group at Maldon District Council.

Councillor Wendy Stamp was elected as the leader of the group until the councils statutory annual meeting on Thursday, November 5.

Councillor Stephen Nunn was also elected as deputy leader.

Key positions in the council will be decided at the statutory annual meeting, including council leader and the membership of committees.

The news comes after the political balance shifted away from the Conservative group following the resignation of a number of councillors.

On paper the Independents now hold the balance of power. But there are also a number of politically non-aligned councillors.

Currently the Independents have 13 councillors, the Conservatives have ten and there are seven non-aligned councillors.

Councillor Elaine Bamford was also elected as the interim leader of the council until the statutory annual meeting.