The Liberal Democrat and Labour Groups have agreed to work in partnership to run South Gloucestershire Council.
Claire Young, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, will become Leader of the Council, with Labour Group Leader Ian Boulton becoming Co-Leader of the Council.
Some aspects of the administration will include:
After signing the written agreement to form an administration, Claire Young said:
“People voted for change in May, following 8 years of Conservative rule.
“In discussions with the Labour group it was apparent we had many shared goals to improve the lives of local people.
“We want to take the council in a different direction, working with local people to make South Gloucestershire a better place for everyone.”
Ian Boulton added:
“This is a brilliant opportunity to put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire.
“We’re aware of the budgetary challenges at the moment, with the Conservative government failing to fund local authorities properly.
“That can change at next year’s general election.”
Notes
After the local elections on May 4th, the Liberal Democrats returned 20 councillors, gaining 3, while Labour returned 17, gaining 6.
Together, the two Groups have 37 of the 61 councillors elected: more than the 31 needed for a majority and much more than the 23-strong Conservative Group.
The Conservatives lost 10 councillors on May 4th, while an Independent was also elected.
On Wednesday 24th May, Councillor Claire Young was formally confirmed as the new Leader of South Glos Council, following the Local Council Election results earlier this month which saw the Liberal Democrats increase its number of Councillors to 20.
