Three senior Plymouth councillors including the former Tory leader have created a new independent group.
Nick Kelly, Terri Beer and Chaz Singh are the founders of the Independent Alliance Group on the city council.
Mr Kelly said they “share common beliefs and values” and “want the very best” for residents and businesses.
The council is in a state of no overall control following Mr Kelly’s departure from the Conservatives in March following a vote of no confidence.
Mr Kelly claims he resigned after being deselected by the Tories, accusing senior members of the party of pursuing an “ongoing vendetta” against him, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).