LANCASHIRE County Council leader Geoff Driver has promised things will be ‘business as usual’ after a second Conservative member quit the party group.

Morecambe North’s Tony Jones has opted to sit as an independent in protest over the way the way the new Tory administration is running the authority.

Last month West Lancashire East’s Cllr Paul Greenall also quit the group.

Burnley-born Cllr Driver, currently on police bail as part of the long-running One Connect inquiry into contracts, has been accused to trying to force out chief executive Jo Turton with a new top management restructure.

County Cllr Driver said: “We are saddened and surprised by Tony Jones’ decision to leave the Conservative group particularly given he has supported all our decisions since we took control of the county council in May.

“We will continue to deliver our promises to the people of Lancashire and reverse the cuts and repair the chaos of the previous Labour administration.”

County Labour group leader and Nelson East councillor Azhar Ali said: “This resignation clearly demonstrates that the Conservative Group is in a complete state of meltdown and chaos.”

Cllr Jones said: “I have been unhappy for some time about the way the authority is being managed.”

Cllr Driver added:“We remain focused on re-opening libraries, investing over £5m in repairing roads, delivering £1millon increase in funds for new bus services, improving the county’s public realm and creating a more financially sustainable and effective county council.”