An independent councillor has defected to the Conservatives.
Ed Hutchinson, who represents Frisby on the Wreak, has joined Melton Borough Council's ruling Tory group.
Councillor Hutchinson, 56, was the deputy leader of the authority's four-strong independent group until he made the switch.
He took the seat off the Tories in a by-election in 2011 but will defend it in May's borough council election as a Conservative.
The father-of-two said: "I stood against the Conservatives because they selected a candidate from outside the community.
"Conservative is my natural allegiance and they have approached me about joining them in the past but I was elected as an independent and I didn't feel it was right to switch.
"I've served as an independent for three years but I think as a member of the Conservatives I can achieve more for the community."
Coun Hutchinson said he informed independent group leader Councillor Elaine Holmes of his decision and that she had expressed disappointment.
He added: "She said she thought I could contend as an independent.
"We are still on good terms."
Coun Holmes said: "We all think it is a bit strange and a bit sad but I wish him well."
There are now three independent councillors. The Tories have 20 members and a majority of 12.
Tory council leader Byron Rhodes said: "The Melton Conservative team have been working hard for a number of years delivering on behalf of residents in the borough.
"We are now focused on setting our long term agenda for the Borough for the next four years.
"It is our long term plan that councillor Edward Hutchison understood and wanted to be involved with. He therefore asked to join the team and become a Conservative member.
"I am encouraged by the quality of people from the public coming forward wanting to be involved and join our team to deliver an exciting programme.
"We are presenting a plan built on delivering good quality services, sound finances, no debt, while keeping council taxes low."
