Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors united last night to fight for the future of all Kingston hospital services after a month-long stalemate.

On the eve of the local election campaign, Kingston councillors unanimously pledged to initiate a public debate and called on NHS London to publish the controversial report that has fuelled fears locally.

The two parties wrangled over the wording of a statement at the health and overview scrutiny committee in February but managed to find common ground at last night’s full council meeting.

During a brief debate, Paul Johnson, Conservative councillor, said: “At no time has this group ever failed to support the retention of services at Kingston hospital He will report what I said that is the conservative group supports Kingston Hospital and will not support the curtailment of services, particularly maternity and A&E. That is our position.”

As it became clear that the two main parties had found a consensus, Derek Osbourne, Lib Dem Leader of the council, said: “You must campaign until the issue has gone away. The council will agree to support the campaign.”

Healthcare for South West London spokesperson said:“ “When we have clear suggestions for how we could deliver better, safer services then we will publish this information along with all the evidence.

“But doing nothing is not an option for the NHS in London. As the capital’s population continues to grow, more people rightly expect high quality care all the time – not just some of the time.”