Southampton City Council was thrown in to turmoil today as the Conservatives were ousted from power.

The full Council had met on Wednesday to discuss the new budget and tax rate for 2008/2009. The Conservatives proposed budget was rejected by a coalition of Liberal Democrats and Labour members.

The new coalition led by Labour Leader Councillor June Bridle and supported by both Labour and Liberal Democrats increased the council tax by 3.49%.

Councillor Bridle said: “We are open to working in a new way to drive the city forward and want to work with all of those who believe in cooperation to bring stability.

The current make up of the Council is 11 Liberal Democrats, 16 Conservatives, 16 Labour and one independent. The 48 Councillors represent 16 wards across the City of Southampton.

Councillors arriving for the crunch meeting were greeted by a noisy protest by campaigners and union members on the Civic Centre steps appealing for more benefits to be provided for single parent families.

The council tax rise, including police and fire authority precepts, will mean the average band D bill going up by £44.66 to £1,316.25 from April. There have been some complaints from residents that this going to cause more problems for those on low incomes.

By Ben King