The seven Conservatives on Rutland County Council have mounted a leadership challenge, hoping to oust the current Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor Gale Waller. 

This will take place at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 5th August at Rutland County Council.

The move against the current leader came just days after the by-election in Barleythorpe elected Conservative Andrew Dinsmore. 

The Conservative Group, led by councillor Lucy Stephenson, says the challenge has arisen so soon after the by-election because of the limited time remaining for discussing future plans for Rutland as part of the government's local government reorganisation. 

Cllr Waller has been in charge of the authority since 2023 and has been criticised for her handling of devolution proposals. The current Lib Dem council has favoured an administration with neighbouring Leicestershire Councils. 

She has claimed the matter is 'out of her hands,' but other councillors have spoken out that she has not given fair attention to the possibility of a rival bid where Rutland is included with Lincolnshire councils. 

In order for the Conservative group to successfully remove Cllr Waller from her position, the seven Tories will need the backing of the majority of the council's seven independent candidates.  

Since the vote of no confidence has been put forward by the Conservative group, Councillor Waller has refused to speak on the matter until after the meeting this Tuesday 5th August.  

The meeting will be taking place in Council Headquarters in Oakham and will be open to the public, as well as available to be watched online.