COUNCILLORS for Maidstone Borough Council have voted to form a coalition administration.

Overall control of the council had to be decided at the negotiating table after no party won an outright majority in the election at the beginning of the month.

The Conservatives were still the largest single party at the council but with reduced numbers after losing both available seats in South ward to the Liberal Democrats.

The most likely outcome seemed to be that the Tories, with 26 seats, would continue to lead the council with support from Labour's four councillors, under a similar deal to that struck after last year's stalemate.

But at the first full council meeting on Wednesday, the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Independents have voted to form a coalition.

The new mayor will be Cllr Richard Ash (Bearsted), while his deputy will be Denise Joy, councillor for High St ward.