THE former leader of Southampton City Council has accused the new Tory administration of stealing credit for plans to build a life-size bronze Spitfire monument.

Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Vinson says he had already raised the prospect of a replica Spitfire as an alternative to the controversial laser beams he sought to put in the Civic Centre clock tower.

The iconic Second World War plane was designed and built in Southampton.

Cllr Vinson said: "It's pity they haven't felt it appropriate to admit that this was set in train by the outgoing Liberal Democrat administration.

"The leaders of the Conservative and Labour Groups were notified of the proposal at the time.

"So we still await the new Conservative administration's first genuine initiative."

Tory Cabinet member for leisure and culture councillor John Hannides said: "It's rather sad that he should now jump on the bandwagon. If that's the best the leadership of the Liberal Democrats can do after being ousted from office it's a sad reflection on them."