Members of Cheshire East Council’s Conservative group have been warned not to speak to the press over the sacking of Coun Frank Keegan from the Cabinet.

Coun Keegan was axed as finance portfolio holder last week. He has held the council’s purse-strings for six years.

Council leader Wesley Fitzgerald has refused to give an explanation saying the removal of Keegan is an ‘internal matter’.

In an email sent to Conservative Group members, secretary Coun Rachel Bailey, said: "I was asked to remind to all members not to engage in conversation with the media on what is currently a Group and Confidential Issue."

Coun Keegan refused to comment further.