COUNCIL leader Stephen MacLoughlin can expect a stormy reception when he faces his colleagues for the first time since the computer porn row broke.

The Conservative group leader went on holiday with his family shortly after the Daily Echo revealed pornographic material had been found on a Bournemouth council laptop used by him.

The chief executive, in consultation with two senior officers, conducted a behind-the-scenes investigation last January, which resulted in Cllr Macloughlin confirming he would comply with the council’s internet policy in the future.

But councillors were unaware of this investigation and most will not have had a chance to question Cllr MacLoughlin before next Wednesday’s meeting of the Conservative group.

Cabinet members have publicly backed Cllr MacLoughlin but the Daily Echo understands that other members of the Conservative group may not be so understanding.

Previous rows over Townsend School and the Hengistbury Head outdoor centre have prompted some councillors to express dissatisfaction with Cllr MacLoughlin’s style of leadership and this latest row adds more fuel to the fire.

Cllr MacLoughlin is expected to use the group meeting to issue an apology but some councillors believe he should go further and offer his resignation, claiming his position is now untenable.

Causing embarrassment to the Conservative group or party is a breach of the rules; it was on these grounds that Strouden Park Cllr David Shaw was expelled from the group earlier this year after he delayed paying in money raised from the sale of air festival programmes.

Some of his colleagues are angry about the way the matter has been handled and that they were not previously informed of the investigation. They also fear a public backlash if there is any suggestion of a council whitewash.

Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: “The meeting is being held in order that the leader can be present and address the group following the events of the past week. That’s really all I can say.”