Thanet council is facing further political turmoil after it emerged that two Labour councillors have quit the party - just one day before a vote on who should run the council.

Former deputy leader of the council Cllr Alan Poole wrote to colleagues to announce he intended to become an independent.

Cllr Michelle Fenner is also leaving the Labour group.

It places a potential question mark over which political party will end up in control after tomorrow’s annual council meeting although sources suggest that Labour is hoping to continue its administration with the help of independents.

Just days ago, Cllr Clive Hart quit as council leader unexpectedly blaming the toxic behaviour of colleages on the council and attacking the Green councillor Ian Driver for undermining the authority.

He was replaced by the long-standing councillor Iris Johnston at a meeting on Monday.

But the party’s efforts to stabilise the situation has now been undermined by this latest news.

Cllr Iris Johnston said: “I am very sad. I have not heard directly from either Michelle or Alan. I am very fond of both of them and they have both been very hard-working councillors.”

It is understood that Cllr Poole had been offered a position in the Labour cabinet.

At this point, neither Cllr Poole or Cllr Fenner had responded to requests to comment.