Sometimes the bitterest conflict is a split in the majority group. You get to the point where neither side is pretending that they like each other. Too many grievances have spilled out into the open in recent weeks. There is talk of cultural differences of conflicting views of how a local authority should be run.

The gloves are off, and the message around the leader is that appointing a chief executive (CE) who did not have a background in local government or the public sector was a big mistake. They say the CE talked a good game convincing the leader he had the necessary transferable skills, a much-needed fresh approach and the necessary financial acumen. But the CE's tendency to micromanage has upset directors. Two popular and experienced directors have recently left, claiming they were not given the freedom needed to do their job.