TWO Conservatives who have questioned the council restructure consultation process have been threatened with expulsion from the Tory group on Christchurch Council.

Councillors David Jones and Lesley Dedman took a motion to the last full council and insist that elected members must have a debate on merging with Bournemouth before council leaders meet to decide the way forward.

They have called for this to be reaffirmed at the next full council on November 1.

Christchurch leader Ray Nottage is in favour of Christchurch being taken over by its bigger neighbour.

But now the Tory group ‘whip’ Cllr Tavis Fox has written to councillors Jones and Dedman.

He says: “It has been brought to my attention that you have yet again brought a motion to council without having the curtesy (sic) of bringing your concerns to the (Conservative) group first.

“This persistent abuse of the system leads me to question your position as members of the Conservative Group on Christchurch council. 

“Your continued disregard for the members of the group is unacceptable and if you feel that you are unable to work with fellow members I would suggest that you both consider leaving the Conservative group forthwith.

“Our objective as a group is to try to work together to benefit of all the residents of Christchurch....If you persist in your campaign of undermining the group and bringing the council into disrepute, then we will have no option but to pursue further action against you.”

Councillors Jones and Dedman refused to comment.

Cllr Fox told the Daily Echo: “It’s an internal group matter.”

He declined to confirm why disciplinary action was being considered.

But he added: “Further action could be taken, including expulsion.”

It’s understood that Cllr Fox has also reported Cllr Dedman to the council’s Standards Board for muttering “that’s crap” under her breath at the last council meeting.