THEY came expecting bloodshed with the motion to depose of their leader Ken Moon on the agenda.

But a secret vote the night before, during a Conservative group meeting meant there was no last stand from Mr Moon at East Hampshire District Council.

Months of backstabbing ended last Thursday when fellow Tory, Ferris Cowper, reclaimed the leadership at Penns Place.

His ascent was made smoother by Mr Moon's decision to resign hours before he faced a motion to remove him as leader.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.