Medway's education supremo survived a call for him to resign at a marathon five-hour council meeting last night.

A motion put forward by the Labour group urged Cllr Les Wicks, portfolio holder for children's services, to step down for what they allege has been a number of blunders on his watch.

The most recent controversy concerned the Medway Test, which saw the crucial exam overrun by 90 minutes at both Rainham School for Girls and Chatham Grammar School for Boys.

Medway Council received 90 complaints and Cllr Wicks subsequently apologised to parents and children.

Cllr Adam Price, Labour's education spokesman, said: 2He has had enough time, Wicks is the one who has responsibility."

The motion against Cllr Wicks was voted down by an overwhelming majority as his Conservative colleagues lined up to support him.

Deputy leader Cllr Alan Jarrett said his performance was "exemplary".

Cllr Mike O'Brien said the motion should be "treated with the contempt it deserves".