TWO of Bournemouth's three non-Tory councillors have joined forces to create a new political group.

Since the council elections in 2015 there has only been one official group in the borough. The new group comprised of Green Party councillor for Winton East Simon Bull and Independent councillor for Throop and Muscliff Kieron Wilson will be known as the Independent and Green Group.

The pair say they share an interest in helping the council to address "environmental issues, homelessness and equality" within the town.

Cllr Bull said: "Kieron and I both wish to represent our wards and all Bournemouth residents, forming a group is part of that.

"Three years ago the first past the post voting system meant that the Conservatives gained 95 per cent of council seats from 35 per cent of the vote, and we need to do what we can to ensure other voices are heard in the council.

"Since Cllr Wilson was elected we have had several discussions and I believe that we can work together for the benefit of the residents and can challenge the Conservatives."

Cllr Wilson said: "This an important step in providing stronger opposition, Cllr Bull is a fantastic councillor, hardworking, and we are on the same page on most issues.

"Opposition is essential in a functioning democracy, unfortunately Bournemouth’s council has too few opposition members, however we have more strength and rights as a group, and with recent events it seemed essential to form a group."

In total, 51 of the borough's 54 councillors are Conservatives. Last year saw the defection of Cllr Laurence Fear from Ukip to the Tories, the retirement of veteran Independent Anne Rey, and Tory councillor Stephen Bartlett leaving the group to become Independent.

Cllrs Bull and Wilson say their move was prompted by the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation, which in April next year will see Dorset's existing council's dissolved and two new unitaries created, with Bournemouth merged with Christchurch and Poole.

They claim it will allow them to "be more effective" in the face of the "big challenge" presented by the merger. They will share the leadership with Cllr Bull in charge for the first six months.

They will not require each other to vote the same way in meetings.