A ‘cabal’ for Stoke Poges residents was how the new-look South Bucks District Council cabinet was described this evening, with more than half the members having links to the village.

One of the village’s representatives on the council, Ralph Bagge, was tonight formally voted in as the authority’s new leader following the local elections earlier this month.

Cllr Bagge won a tightly-fought leadership contest against Roger Reed but chose not to put the Denham member onto either the cabinet or any of the council’s sub committees – to the anger of a fellow councillor.

George Sandy said it was “wholly unfair” and “a very unwise decision” not to offer a position of authority to Cllr Reed, who left this evening’s meeting of full council before the makeup of the various sub committees was chosen.

Another Stoke Poges ward member, Trevor Egleton, was selected onto Cllr Bagge’s cabinet along with David Anthony, who lives in the village but represents the Farnham and Hedgerley ward.

Duncan Smith, who also lives in Stoke Poges but represents Gerrards Cross, was elected as chairman of the council, prompting Cllr Sandy to say: “Looking at the construction of the cabinet at the moment, it looks like more than 50 per cent are residents of Stoke Poges. That seems undemocratic in my mind, particularly as the new leader said the council should be particularly inclusive.

“That seems like a cabal for people in Stoke Poges. There are some questions over whether this is a democratic process.

“It’s wholly unfair Roger Reed got 42 per cent of the votes in the leadership election and has been given no responsibilities. For someone who’s served this council for so long, that’s a very unwise decision.”

Cllr Smith replied: “The council is constructed on a strong leader model. It’s up to them to decide; it’s not for the backbenchers to question that.

“I am sure people can think district first, without putting their ward first.

“Mr Bagge and Cllr Reed have spoken to each other. That’s up to the two of them. I can’t say any more, I don’t think.

“These are matters for the Conservative group – in any election there has to be a loser.”

Nick Naylor was chosen as deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable development, with Luisa Sullivan also being selected for cabinet duties as member for the environment. Paul Kelly was elected vice chairman.