The Ulster Unionist Party is to boycott Northern Ireland's new Policing Board, it emerged tonight.
Danny Kennedy and Fred Cobain will follow through with threats to stay away in protest at independents outnumbering elected representatives on the authority.
With UUP leader Sir Reg Empey accusing the British government of creating a quango by its appointments, the re-formed body could now be plunged into crisis before it sits down to begin business for its second four-year term.
The Board, which scrutinises Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde's performance and an annual budget of more than £800 million sterling, is due to meet in Limavady, Co Derry on Thursday to elect a new chair and vice-chairman.
Sir Desmond Rea appears certain to be returned to the top position, with Belfast property developer Barry Gilligan a clear favourite to be appointed to the number two job.
But they will oversee a Board stripped of Ulster Unionist involvement.
The Northern Ireland office tonight disclosed that unlike the Democratic Unionists and SDLP, the UUP has yet to confirm whether it intends to take its seats.
A spokesman said: "We are still awaiting the documents associated with the appointments process (for the Ulster Unionists)."
It is understood they will wait for the suspended power-sharing government in Belfast to be restored before considering a return.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern are due to announce new plans for devolution in Armagh on Thursday.