A FORMER Winchester City Council cabinet member believed he was axed by new council leader because she did not trust his loyalty.

Departing transport chief James Byrnes has been replaced as part of a cabinet shake-up by the new leader, Caroline Horrill.

Cllr Byrnes believes it resulted from his motion to expel councillor Kim Gottlieb from the Conservative group last year after his legal action derailed the Silver Hill scheme.

The Conservative group has since been divided on how to deal with Cllr Gottlieb.

Cllr Byrnes says his departure may be the result of Cllr Gottlieb now having more influence on the current cabinet.

He said: “She (Cllr Horrill) said to me ‘thanks for the work I have done’, she was not sure she would have my loyalty and that was the reason she gave.”

He said he suspects he was ousted over an email which was leaked to the Chronicle, which he then sent to the previous leader of the council and Conservative group.

He added that, whilst Cllr Gottlieb may have growing influence, he felt assured that former leader Stephen Godfrey is staying on with the finance portfolio.

Cllr Byrnes added: “Stephen is a very safe pair of hands when it comes to the city’s finances. If there is a move from Kim’s side to take over, Stephen will have a good check on those tendencies.

“Undoubtedly Kim’s influence will come through Caroline Horrill and Jan Warwick, it is possible that my removal from cabinet was one of Kim’s conditions.”

Conservative councillor Ian Tait said: “Certainly James Byrnes stood up to Kim and he put the motion to the group to get rid of Kim. James Byrnes you’re either going to love him or hate him and Caroline Horrill clearly hated him.”

He said that the Conservative group are more unified than before and that the collapsed Station Approach scheme was one of the key failings of Cllr Godfrey.

Cllr Tait added: “The Conservatives need to be unified and we are unified, as to the previous leader without being critical of him as a person,  “Station Approach did it for me. If you can’t deliver the decision for it you are not the leader of the council even with the dissenters he should have delivered Station Approach.”

Cllr Gottlieb denied he would now have more influence, however he did say it is “exciting times” for Winchester and that all the councillors on the cabinet deserve to be there on merit.

The Chronicle attempted to speak to Cllr Horrill, but she did not reply.

Also being replaced is Cllr Frank Pearson who held the portfolio for environment, health and wellbeing.

Replacing Cllr Pearson is Lisa Griffiths and Guy Ashton, and Jan Warwick will take over transport. There is no place for Cllr Gottlieb.