A COUNCILLOR has been axed from a leading position on Blackburn with Darwen council.
Coun Michael Johnson is no longer lead member for leisure and culture, it was announced at a meeting of the full council.
The ruling coalition in charge of the council replaced him with former For Darwen colleague Trevor Maxfield.
Coun Johnson, who represents Fernhurst ward, recently quit the For Darwen group in what he described as an "amicable" split over policy differences with party members.
He later claimed a "history of back-stabbing and name-calling in the pub" had forced him out.
He is now an independent councillor, with the balance of power in the town hall on a knife edge ahead of next month's elections.
After the change was announced, Coun Johnson - who had received a vote of no confidence from members back in November - criticised For Darwen leader Tony Melia for the timing of the decision, which he described as "pure politics".
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