There has been a change of leadership at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council after one of its senior figures had his membership of the Conservative party suspended.

Cllr David Lettington, who represents Snodland West and Holborough Lakes, had been the deputy leader of the council and a cabinet member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure. He was suspended by the Tories last Friday and subsequently the council leader, Cllr Matt Boughton, replaced him as deputy leader with Cllr Martin Coffin.

The cabinet post has yet to be filled, but will be looked after by Cllr Boughton in the meantime.

Cllr Lettington will continue to sit on the council as an Independent.

His wife Ruth is also a councillor, representing Snodland East and Ham Hill. She remains a Conservative member.

A council spokesman said: "Following his suspension from the Conservative Party, Cllr David Lettington has been suspended by council leader Cllr Matt Boughton from his cabinet roles and as deputy leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council."

Neither Cllr Boughton nor Cllr Lettington could be reached for comment.