By Amber Markwell and Jason Noble (Local democracy reporter)

Three peninsula ward members are part of a new look Babergh cabinet after the leader split from the Conservatives to form a new group.

Stour ward councillor Mary McLaren has left the Conservatives group to join leader John Ward and two other former Tory colleagues to be part of the breakaway Independent Conservatives

She will join Cllrs Ward and Cllr Jan Osborne as Independent Conservatives in the new look coalition administration, along with the Green Party's Jane Gould, who represents the Orwell ward, while Brantham councillor Alastair McCraw has been invited to rejoin the cabinet.

Peninsula councillors Derek Davis and Jane Gould (Picture credit: Nub News)

Cllr McCraw was one of three Independents and a Lib Dem councillor who resigned from the previous cabinet in protest at Ganges ward member Derek Davis' removal after he refused to curtail a columnist's right to free speech and anonymity while writing for Hadleigh Nub News, which Mr Davis is editor.

Alastair McCraw with fellow cabinet member Jan Osborne taking delivery of new homes in Brantham (Picture credit: Penisnula Nub News)

Cllr Davis added: "Just as was I fully supportive of the original cabinet I'm backing this new administration. I will work with all councillors for the benefit of our residents. As the former Communities, Health and Wellbeing portfolio holder I will help Mary in any way I can in her new role, which I'm sure she will find rewarding."

Full story of Tory breakaway group and list of new cabinet members here...

Tories force removal of free speech supporting editor and cabinet member

Standing up for principles Ganges ward member Derek Davis (centre) with Shotley award winning residents (Picture credit: Nub News)