ALL three independent groups have agreed to share power on Powys County Council.

Council leader Barry Thomas had led a minority administration drawn from the two smallest independent groups on the council, his own Non-Political Group and the Independent Group.

But a deal has been struck granting Councillor Wynne Jones, the leader of the largest group on the council, the Powys Independent Alliance, a place on the cabinet, which has been expanded to 10 members.

The three groups now have a combined 47 councillors, with 37 required for a majority. Cllr Thomas' cabinet must get its its proposed budget, which includes cuts of £16 million, passed by the full council at its February 11 meeting.

Cllr Thomas took control of the council in January last year when then leader Cllr David Jones lost a vote of confidence after trying to unite the council's independent groups.

There are also two non aligned independent councillors, 10 Conservatives, eight Liberal Democrats and six Labour councillors.

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