Tory infighting mars West Northants leadership battle

Jonathan Nunn is chosen as leader of West Northants Conservative group

By Natalie Bloomer

Jonathan Nunn will be leader of the new West Northamptonshire Council after a dramatic day yesterday.

Nunn, former leader of Northampton Borough Council, was elected by members of the West Northamptonshire Conservative group at a meeting at One Angel Square last night. 

He was up against Ian McCord who was suspended the night before the vote by his South Northants Conservative Association after complaints were made against him. It was initially unclear if he would still stand in the leadership contest but he decided to do so. Lizzy Bowen, former deputy leader of Northants County Council, was also on the ballot but was eliminated after the first round of voting. 

Speaking to NN Journal last night McCord congratulated Nunn on his win, but said the way he had been treated by his local association was a “sad day for democracy and a sad day for the new council”.