A high-ranking council boss has made an unexpected U-turn and returned to the post he resigned from – just two weeks after labelling an opposition party as undemocratic.

Cllr Mike Baldock (Swale Independents Alliance (SIA) stood down from his post as deputy leader of Swale council on December 7.

The Borden and Grove Park representative said the Labour Group's position of "demanding complete control” of decision-making left him with no choice but to resign.

However, in a sudden twist, Cllr Baldock announced his return to the role last night.

He said: "Following recent discussions I have agreed to resume the role of deputy leader at Swale council."

Labour is the leading party of the borough's rainbow coalition with 16 seats.

They are followed by the SIA with 12 seats and the Green Party with three, with the Tories, who are not part of the coalition for a second successive term, having 11.

Cllr Baldock, who is also head of Swale council's planning committee, previously described the group’s actions as that of "unreasonable behaviour”.

Speaking after his resignation, he explained: "This is not democracy. This is not collegiate working. This is not how coalitions work, and it is not how you treat your partners in anything.

“It is clear that the terms dictated by the Labour Group were totally unacceptable and there was no prospect of the SIA bowing down to such unreasonable behaviour.

“There, were, as always, some difficulties in running any coalition, but the last administration had lasted four years balancing the needs of five different groups.

“Sadly the current Labour Group couldn’t last one year without demanding complete control.”

Council leader Cllr Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman) defended his party's actions at the time of Cllr Baldock's departure.

"It is regrettable that he has chosen to resign from that important position, but any assertions that Labour wants to monopolise power I categorically refute," he insisted.

"In fact, unless their current committee chairs resign from their positions, Swale Independents still hold three of the six key chairs on the council - one more than the Labour Party.

"They have also co-produced our draft Corporate Plan and draft budget, both of which are currently out for consultation, and I am grateful for their valuable contributions and remain hopeful that we can continue to work together on behalf of the communities that we represent.

"Labour is committed to delivering financial stability, resilient services, and representing our residents’ priorities and I reaffirm my offer of ongoing collaboration with all parties on Swale council for the improvement of the borough."

Meanwhile, leader of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservatives, Cllr Lloyd Bowen (Teynham and Lynsted), acknowledged his party’s aim was to continue supporting residents.

He said: “In view of the recent announcements regarding the leadership and administration of Swale council, the position of the Conservative councillor group remains as it has been both prior to and since the May election.

“We are willing to work with and across all parties for the benefit of local residents.

“Where we agree with policies we will support them, where we disagree we will put forward constructive alternative proposals.

“This will apply whatever the future administration of Swale is to be.”

Both Cllr Baldock and Cllr Gibson have been approached for further comment.