THEY came expecting bloodshed from Ken Moon, their embattled leader, with the motion to depose him in black and white on the agenda.

But a secret vote the night before meant there was no last stand from Mr Moon to stay in the hotseat at East Hampshire District Council.

Months of back stabbing and fierce criticism ended last Thursday when Ferris Cowper reclaimed the leadership at Penns Place.

And his latest ascent was made smoother by Mr Moon's decision to resign hours before he faced the motion to remove him.