Alec Robertson is set to remain as leader of Cornwall Council after surviving a challenge at a crunch meeting last night.
However, the beleagured leader only got the support of half his colleagues in a tense vote.
Truro councillor Fiona Ferguson stood against Helston North councillor Mr Robertson for the role as Conservative group leader, but was narrowly defeated by 24 votes to 18.
Six of the Conservative group's 48 members were not present for the vote.
A source told The Packet: "It was a very tense meeting, and the rebellion is most definitely not over yet.
"They are not happy with him, and he will need to make some serious changes to win them around."
Wadebridge councillor Scott Mann was elected as the new deputy leader of the group.
It is expected changes to the administration's cabinet committee could be made in the next few weeks.
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