A third councillor has left the Independent/Conservative coalition on Powys Council in just over a week in protest over the rise in council tax.

Cllr Karen Laurie-Parry who represents the ward of Bronllys near Brecon as part of the Independent group, has submitted the paperwork to leave the ruling group, and intends to become a non-aligned councillor for now.

She follows Conservative members Gwilym Williams and Les Skilton, who joined the Action for Powys group over what was then intended to be a 3.9 per cent rise in tax over the last week.

Another councillor, Joy Jones, who was non-aligned, has also joined Action for Powys.

The ruling coalition now has 38 of the 73 councillors in the chamber. A total of 37 is needed to form a majority.

Cllr Laurie-Parry said: “As a true independent, I am very disappointed in having to take this action, but I have to do the right thing for constituents.”

She revealed that she had voted against the Independent/Conservative administration’s proposed Council Tax increase of 2.9 per cent, which was narrowly ratified on Thursday.

Cllr Laurie-Parry, said “I had hoped for 1.9 per cent or at the very best a zero increase in council tax, but the few votes swaying for the 2.9 per cent is democracy.”

In leaving the group, Cllr Laurie-Parry will also have to give up a seat on the audit committee, and the economy, residents communities and governance scrutiny committee.

Cllr Laurie-Parry added that she was “sad” to leave these committees.

She added that she will continue shining a light and seek answers to questions of expenditure and governance.

“There is so much work to be done,” said Cllr Laurie-Parry.

This means the make up of the Council is now:

  • Independents = 23
  • Conservative = 15
  • The ruling coalition is Independent and Conservative Groups = 38
  • Liberal Democrats & Green  = 15
  • Labour = 8
  • Action for Powys – 7
  • Plaid Cymru = 2
  • Non-aligned = 3
  • Total = 73