THE leader of Winchester City Council could be brought down by the Silver Hill controversy as opposition politicians try to force a leadership election over last week’s legal blow.

The Liberal Democrats want to depose Tory leader Cllr Rob Humby and take control of the council at a crunch summit on Thursday after a judicial review found his administration unlawfully allowed changes to the city centre scheme.

MORE ON SILVER HILL:
Campaigner Kim Gottlieb reiterates willingness to launch fresh legal action
Labour plans vote of no confidence against city council
The High Court ruling: judge says civic chiefs acted "unlawfully" over Silver Hill

Cllr Humby has come under fresh pressure to resign after suggesting planning permission granted in December was unaffected by last week’s High Court judgment.

Mrs Justice Lang’s ruling said city bosses breached European procurement law by granting controversial changes to the £165 million city centre development.

The Lib Dem offensive comes in addition to Labour calls for a vote of no confidence. The parties, who together have 27 councillors to the Conservatives' 28, are set to negotiate an alliance to bring down Cllr Humby.

Cllr Sue Nelmes, one of the council's two independent members, said she would "seriously consider" voting against the leader. Tory rebel Kim Gottlieb, who brought the legal action, has confirmed his intention to follow suit.

Hampshire Chronicle: Kelsie Learney

Cllr Kelsie Learney, Liberal Democrat group leader, is seeking re-election to the leaders' post in an urgent vote on Thursday

Liberal Democrat chief Cllr Learney, herself a former council leader, called for a “fresh start” at Winchester Guildhall.

“This isn’t about blaming individuals but reflects a lack of confidence in the ability of the Conservative administration to deal with the legal and financial problems the council faces going forward,” she said.

“Silver Hill is obviously the pressing issue but it is a symptom of much wider problems. The council has to become better at letting the public know what is going on, explaining what options are available and listening to what local people have to say.”

Deputy leader Cllr Victoria Weston, chief executive Simon Eden and corporate director Steve Tilbury have also defied calls to step down.

Winchester’s Conservative MP, Steve Brine, joined calls for an immediate and “credible” inquiry into council decision-making, independent of officers and councillors.

"In my opinion the city council should accept this decision and not spend another penny of my constituents money in attempting to appeal it through the courts,” he said.

Cllr Humby did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for comment.