THE coalition of Labour and Lib Dem councillors made a last ditch bid to stop the new Conservative-led administration taking control of Colchester Council.

At the annual meeting Colchester Labour leader Adam Fox tabled an amendment motion proposing Mark Cory be re-elected as leader, in place of Tory Paul Dundas.

Mr Fox said the majority of residents in Colchester had “rejected the Conservatives”.

He said: “For years they have talked about making gains only needing a single seat here or three there to take control of the council.

“In May, whilst Conservatives made gains across the country, in Colchester they stood still.

“Indeed many voters specifically voted for the best placed party or candidate, whether a Labour, Lib Dem, Green or Independent, to beat the Tories.

“From across the borough, Old Heath to Shrub End, Castle to Highwoods, for 13 years residents knew who to vote for in order to deliver a progressive council in Colchester and that council delivered.

“This is not about opposition for opposition sake, but because we believe politics is about choice and priorities. Our priorities are different to the Tories.”

Read more:

The amendment was voted down by 26 votes to 25.