Lib Dems and Labour agree coalition deal at South Glocs Council
It's after the Conservatives lost their overall majority at the local elections earlier this month
South Gloucestershire Council's Liberal Democrat and Labour groups have finally agreed a coalition deal - a move Conservative members have called 'shambolic' for taking so long.
It's after the Tories lost their overall majority at the local elections on May 4 - but they still remain the largest party there.
It means the authority are under 'no overall control', with the Conservatives holding 23 seats, Lib Dems holding 20 and Labour holding 17.
One independent candidate was also elected.
At the local authority's AGM next Wednesday (May 24), both parties will nominate Lib Dem group leader - Cllr Claire Young - as Leader of the Council, whilst Labour group leader - Cllr Ian Boulton - will be nominated as Co-Leader of the Council.
The Leader, Chair and Deputy Chair of the Council are appointed by a simple majority vote at a meeting of full council.
Once they've been elected, the new Leader will appoint Members to a new Cabinet. A Chair and Deputy Chair will also be elected.
Since the elections, the political groups have holding discussions about how they can work together to run the council, while day-to-day running of and decision-making for the authority has been managed by senior officers and managers.
South Gloucestershire Council Chief Executive, Dave Perry, said: “With the council under no overall control after the recent elections, those who were elected have been able to discuss the ways they would like to work together in order to take over the administration of the authority. Any Member will have the opportunity to present their plans for the future at the public meeting of Full Council on 24 May and nominate for election new political leadership for the organisation.
“The role of officers during this period has been to ensure that the council continues to operate as it should, while supporting Members in their conversations, providing where required, legal and constitutional advice.
“Council officers are ready to brief a new administration once it is agreed by Members at the meeting on 24 May and when a new Cabinet takes up their roles.”
The Council’s AGM will be held in the Council Chamber at Kingswood Civic Centre, at 7:00pm on Wednesday 24 May.