THE leader of the Ukip group on Tendring Council is believed to have quit his post a week into the job.

Mick Skeels was appointed as leader of the group by the party’s 22 councillors.

However, it is understood he has quit the role after the group voted against forming a coalition with the Conservatives.

The Tories lost their overall majority following a surge in support for Ukip at the local elections, which left the balance of power resting in the hands of the council’s independent councillors.

Plans for a “grand alliance” with both Conservative and Ukip councillors to running Tendring Council were dashed by Ukip members and it is now likely the Conservatives will form an administration with the support of independent councillors.

Mr Skeels had said he was in favour of being part of an alliance to run the council, but his group rejected the idea.

In a letter to the Ukip group, Mr Skeels said he had put his name forward for group leader because he “wanted to see Ukip play a significant role in Tendring’s future”.

He added: “We put this proposal to you all on Monday and the majority of you said you did not want to be part of any such alliance.

“The decision to effectively exclude Ukip from any form of agreement with the Conservatives and independents will, at best, deny us the opportunity to play a key role in Tendring’s future and at worst result in endless infighting on the council, which will, in turn, result in nothing being done.”

He added after “considerable thought” he has resigned as leader of the group.

Mr Skeels was unavailable for comment yesterday.