Councillors jockey for Cornwall Cabinet positions under Jim Currie

A complex round of political horse trading is under way in Cornwall as new council leader Jim Currie seeks to name a new cabinet.

Leading councillors within the Independent group are said to be jockeying for four positions alongside up to five Conservative posts on offer.

A key party meeting of the coalition's junior partners will attempt to select its preferred cabinet members tomorrow, just before the full council meets to debate the part-privatisation plans.

Mr Currie faced moves from a minority of his Tory group at a meeting on Friday to expel him in retaliation for accepting the leadership nomination from the Liberal Democrats.

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The new leader, of the council though not of the Tories, is said to be "keeping his cards close to his chest" as to who will help him run the authority until elections next May.

And the identity of those promoted to coveted senior roles – which attract an allowance of more than £30,000 – may even determine whether the Independent group continues to support the Conservatives in coalition, or leaves them to run the council alone.

A source in the Tory group said there was "a will to continue" the current deal.

But he added juggling the positions and portfolios was proving complicated.

Deputy council leader, Independent Neil Burden, who narrowly lost the vote to Mr Currie, said the group meeting would provide two names to add to Mr Currie's preferred five.