A top tory has jumped ship from the party only ten days after the results of the Cornwall Council elections, it has been reported.
Mike Eathorne-Gibbons was thought to be a stalwart of the Conservative group at County Hall and had been tipped to lead the party.
But in a shock move Mr Eathorne-Gibbons is reported to have defected to the Independent group.
The decision by Mr Eathorne-Gibbons throws the future of Cornwall Council into disarry as it means both Liberal Democrats and the Independent group now have 36 seats.
Andrew Wallis, an Independent councillor who represents Porthleven, wrote on his blog: "The second week of Cornwall Council has started with a surprise. An arch-conservative has left the party they stood under at the election and become an independent Councillor. The person in question is Mike Eathorne-Gibbon.
"Not only has Mike left the Conservatives, but he has joined the Independent Group. This has been met with a few raised eye brows within the Indi Group."
And Mr Wallis said rumours were rife at County Hall that more Conservatives could also leave the party.
Mr Eathorne-Gibbons was elected as a Conservative to represent the Ladock, St Clement and St Erme constituency with 666 votes cast in his favour.
His nearest competitor was Jo Poland from the Green Party who garnered 234 votes.
Cornwall Council is drifting in a sea of uncertainty following the elections held on May 2 in which no party gained overall control.
Both the Liberal Democrats and the Independent group now have 36 seats with the Conservatives now holding 30 seats.
Negotiations are ongoing between all parties regarding possible alliances or a 'rainbow coalition' of all parties.
Calls to Mr Eathorne-Gibbons home in Truro went unanswered.
