The ex-Desmoulin art gallery owner waited for the December council meeting to quit, and because there's less than six months until the council elections, no by-election is required.

However, the departure of the district's only independent council makes voting through next year's council tax rise very tight for the ruling Conservatives. The Tories have 26 seats to the Lib Dems 25, so it's likely the Tory chairman's casting vote will make all the difference for the Tories trying to rush policies through ahead of the May elections.

Mr Rodger was also vice-chairman of West Berkshire Council, and has been replaced by Kintbury councillor Andy Rowles.

Newbury.net can also reveal that next year's council tax rise will be less than 2% for West Berkshire, adding just £27 to the average household bill.