Leader of Warwickshire County Council George Finch has survived a challenge to oust him by one vote despite a Conservative breaking ranks to vote against him. 

Cllr Finch received crucial backing from six out of the seven Tories present and two Reform-supporting independents while Restore Britain's two ex-Reform councillors opted against voting either way, resulting in a 27-26 victory for the leader.

A full house of 57 councillors was expected but apologies were sent by two from the Conservative group – Cllr Chris Mills and Cllr Dean Richards – that on Friday had called for the Green Party's attempt to force change to be withdrawn.

However, Cllr Jan Matecki, who quit as his group's deputy leader on Friday but insisted it had not been over its stance on this, went against his party, alleging that Cllr Finch's leadership had too often been mired in "controversy and distraction", putting the council in the spotlight "for all the wrong reasons".

But despite that bolstering, the Greens, Liberal Democrats, Labour and two other independent councillors – Cllr Judy Falp and ex-Green Cllr Sam Jones (Warwick North) – saw the motion fall.

All 19 Reform UK councillors turned out and backed their leader alongside Cllr Luke Shingler, who stood on a Reform platform before discovering his work role precluded him from standing for a party, and Cllr Ed Harris, who gave up the Reform whip after issues related to properties that he rents out came to light. 

Restore's Cllr Luke Cooper and Cllr Scott Cameron abstained from the ballot as planned, their reservations about Cllr Finch's leadership usurped by the prospect of a coalition of the left coming to power and that proved pivotal in the end.

Cllr Finch's opponents highlighted his conduct and public comments about council staff and those who represent partner organisations such as Warwickshire Police. Reform councillors hit back, saying the motion was about a power grab and targeting the leader individually, trying to overthrow the will of the electorate. 

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There were around 20 people in the public gallery with, much like the council chamber itself, a half-and-half split of opinions based on the speeches that they applauded.