Councillor Margaret Adair has said she is considering whether or not to cross the floor.

This comes after Tory councillor Lee Hunt defected after claiming he was the victim of an internal hate campaign by members of Portsmouth South Conservative Association.

Cllr Adair said she was unsure about her own future in the Conservative party.

The News understands she would be accepted by the Lib Dems if she chose to switch.

'I'm still considering and I will make a decision very soon,' she said.

'I think Lee has been treated very badly.

'The Portsmouth South Conservative Association have lost a very good man and my support is still with Lee.

'I have known him 30 years and he is like an extra son to me.'

Cllr Adair, who won in Central Southsea ward in 2007, said it would be difficult to leave the party she was elected to.

'I have walked miles delivering leaflets and campaigning for the Conservative party,' she said.

'I have lifted heavy bags and I have struggled with letter boxes.

'But my support is still with Lee and I will continue to support him whatever.'

Cllr Adair said whatever her decision she would be standing down when her current term ends in 2011.

As reported in The News on Tuesday, the Lib Dems took control of Portsmouth City Council after Cllr Hunt and independent councillors Jason Fazackarley and Leo Madden defected.

It is the first time one party has overall control since 2000.

The Lib Dems currently have 22 seats, while the Tories have 18 and Labour have two.

Newly-elected Conserva- tive councillor James Williams said he was 'less than happy' with the switches.

'I believe it is dishonest for someone to get voted in under one banner and then change sides mid-stream,' he said.

'People expect councillors to stand on the strength of their convictions. What does it say about personal integrity when elected members start playing musical chairs?'