COUNCILLOR Lynne Hillan now holds the largest majority of any of the last three Tory leaders, according to a senior party source.

The final count of the leadership contest, held on Tuesday, was not immediately revealed by the Conservative group, leading to speculation the vote had been tight.

But it has been announced the result was that Cllr Hillan held on to her position by winning the ballot by 23 votes to 14 over Hendon ward Councillor Mark Shooter.

Earlier reports had suggested there had been no more than three votes in it.

Cllr Hillan had faced a challenge to her leadership after some party colleagues had become outraged by proposals to increase the allowances of some cabinet members by up to 50 per cent.

Cllr Shooter, who was elected to the council in May, claimed the party had lost its direction and promised a fresh start under him, but the majority of nine won by Cllr Hillan is the largest held by a Tory leader in almost ten years.

According to the senior source, Victor Lyon held a majority of three, Brian Salinger held a majority of one, and Mike Freer held a majority of five.

The source added: “Her [Cllr Hillan's] majority is bigger than the last three leaders put together.”