A political group on Powys Council accused the Conservatives of being in "chaos" over a school closure programme.

The departures of Iain McIntosh and James Evans from the Conservative Group mean the Lib Dems are now the largest politically-affiliated group on the council with 14 members.

The Conservatives have 13, while the independent group that joins the Conservatives in coalition in leading the authority has 30 members.

Commenting on the latest developments Liberal Democrat group leader and leader of the opposition Cllr James Gibson-Watt said: “The recent developments within Powys Conservatives shows what a divided party they are. Their rural school closures are threatening the hearts of our communities at a time they are urgently trying to rebuild following the pandemic.

“We are in the extraordinary situation where Brecon & Radnorshire Conservatives are now rapidly trying to distance themselves from decisions they have contributed towards while simultaneously the Leader of Powys Conservatives is writing to local papers praising the apparent success of their policies.

“Meanwhile, despite attempts by Cllr McIntosh and James Evans to distance themselves from the poor decision making of the cabinet and ruling group, their resignations only open up more questions. If they were that unhappy over the direction of the education programme why has it taken them this long to say so and why was the same anger not expressed over the closure of Castle Caereinion?

"Cllr McIntosh's suggestion the cabinet was misled over the ability of small schools to deliver the curriculum also raises serious questions."