The balance of power has shifted again at Swansea Council.
Newly-installed Conservative chief Rene Kinzett has reportedly clashed with city leader Chris Holley in a power struggle.
Councillor Kinzett had been hoping to strengthen his new group's position on the council but was surprised when told two of his members had jumped ship and opted to remain within the ruling administration.
Long-serving Conservative councillors Joan Peters and Huw Rees have reportedly left the party and joined the Independent group on the ruling coalition.
It comes just over a week after Councillor Peters was replaced as Conservative leader after 12 years at the helm.
Councillor Kinzett pulled the Conservatives from the coalition and formed his own group, but the two veteran councillors have revolted.
The switch means the ruling coalition and Labour now both have 32 members.The Conservative group now has just three members, one less than Plaid.
Tory councillors Kinzett, Paxton Hood-Williams and Tony Lloyd could now lose their roles as scrutiny board chairmen, and the £9,000 bonus they bring.
The revolt also means Swansea Council is delicately balanced with the two major groups tied, but with the coalition holding the casting vote in presiding officer Susan Waller.
How Plaid, the remaining Conservatives and renegade Councillor Ray Welsby vote is still key to pushing the council's plans through.Councillor Kinzett said talks were continuing with the two rogue councillors.
He said: "Councillors Peters and Rees have currently been persuaded to rejoin the Liberal Alliance.
"However, at this current time, the Welsh Conservative group are renegotiating with them to see if there is an opportunity to continue to work together.
"The Welsh Conservatives on Swansea Council had been negotiating with the Liberal Alliance to continue the coalition led by Chris Holley.
"We were disappointed that at the same time as these negotiations were continuing Councillor Holley and his colleagues were conducting talks behind my back, with individual members of my group.
"Even as late as Wednesday afternoon of this week representatives of the Liberal Alliance were calling on one of my group members to switch to the alliance.
"We will continue to pursue our distinctive policy agenda of value for money, lower taxation and accountability and transparency in all council projects.
"The Welsh Conservative group has no intention of replacing this failing Liberal Alliance with any alternative administration.
"However, we will remain committed to holding this alliance to account for their decisions."
Councillor Holley said: "Councillor Joan Peters and Huw Rees wish to remain in the Swansea administration.
"They have approached me and told me that they wish to remain in the administration and, as such, that is what they are going to do.
"They signed up two-and-a-half years ago to do a job and that is what they are going to do."
Neither Councillor Peters or Rees was available for comment.
