Green - Lib Dem - Independent coalition to lead Babergh District Council
A deal's been done at one of Suffolk's local councils after the local elections earlier this month
A deal's been done at one of Suffolk's local councils to run the authority after the local election left no party with a majority.
The Greens are now the largest party in Babergh and will work with the Liberal Democrats and Independent councillors across the next four years.
The leader of the authority will be on rotation over the next four years, with the Greens provided a leader for the second and fourth years of the coalition.
The Lib Dems will put forward a leader this year, with an independent councillor leading the authority in the third year.
A cabinet of eight councillors will be appointed from across all of the parties. It will be made up of four Green, three Independent and one Liberal Democrat.
Councillor Leigh Jamieson, Green group leader, said: “We are pleased to have reached this point after lengthy discussions.
"While a Green administration would have been our preferred choice, this coalition is currently the best way forward for the council and the residents we serve given the political make up of the council.
"We look forward to this collaborative approach delivering real benefits to our communities, and can’t wait to get started.”
Councillor Stephen Plumb, Independent group leader, said: “An agreement has been reached. We must now work together to ensure our residents have an effective administration."
Councillor Lee Parker, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: “The three groups will meet regularly to discuss and agree policy positions, and at all times we’ll be putting the interests of our residents first.
"We’re excited to see what we can achieve.”