The precarious balance of power on Cheshire West and Chester Council has shifted after a member of the ruling Labour group had the whip withdrawn.

Arthur Neil, who represents Northwich Winnington and Castle, is now listed as an unaligned independent councillor.

Cllr Neil had been a member of the Labour group, but local party chiefs confirmed he has had the whip withdrawn - a term which means a politician has been removed from a party and/or political group.

They said this was due to him being subject to an administrative suspension.

According to official Labour Party rules, an administrative suspension is a temporary measure invoked by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) or national officers.

It is not a final ruling of guilt or a formal disciplinary penalty. Instead, it is a neutral mechanism used to protect the reputation of the party while an internal or external investigation takes place.

But the consequences of the move go far beyond one councillor due to the complex numbers game at play on Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Labour rules as a minority administration, and until Cllr Neil's move to independent status, Labour was able to muster 35 of 70 councillors, with the rest belonging to other political groupings or themselves being independents.

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It meant that – in a worst-case scenario for Labour – in a crucial vote it would be deadlocked if all non-Labour councillors voted together to oppose Labour legislation.

However, the mechanics of the council's constitution mean the chair of a meeting of full council – who would be a Labour councillor – would have a deciding vote. In reality, such a scenario never came to pass.

Now, the loss of the single councillor has shifted the balance away from Labour. It can now only muster 34 councillors, with non-Labour having 36, meaning, in theory, Labour motions could be voted down at meetings.

Due to the wide array of political views held by the other groups and independents, this remains an unlikely scenario, but the mere possibility will no doubt sow concern among the Labour hierarchy.

Commenting on Cllr Neil's position, a Labour group spokesperson, said: "The Labour whip has been withdrawn from Cllr Arthur Neil due to an administrative suspension. This relates to a personal matter and we cannot comment further.

"Labour remains the largest group at Cheshire West and Chester Council and will continue as the administration."

Cllr Neil was contacted for comment.