Colchester: Talks underway for parties to lead the council

Colchester’s Liberal Democrats, Labour Party and Green Party have exclusively told the Gazette they are seeking to join forces to lead the council.

It echoes the past when the Lib Dems led the council for 13 years until May 2021, sharing power as part of the council’s so-called rainbow coalition thanks to a pact with Labour, supported by the Highwoods Independents.

The announcement follows the Conservatives losing control of the town hall after failing to secure enough votes in four key seats with the party’s group leader Paul Dundas losing his seat in Stanway.

Leader - Martin Goss said he is looking forward to helping to create a brighter future for Colchester

The Tories were further damaged by the Highwoods Independents, who had helped the party get a majority last year, not standing in Highwoods.

The vote count at Charter Hall saw the Lib Dems gain three seats, Labour adding two and the Greens winning one in Castle.

In a joint statement released by all three parties, they stated Colchester has “lost confidence” in the Conservatives.

The statement reads: “The Conservatives have lost their majority and their ability to govern.

Green - Stephanie Nissen won her seat in Colchester Council in May 2021

“They haven’t done enough to support Colchester residents with the cost-of-living crisis, or to support Colchester businesses and our town centre and they allowed our streets to get dirtier.

“Colchester voters want to see a new direction with parties who keep to the rules and care. People who will work together to deliver on what matters most to our residents.

“In community after community, people voted for the candidate best placed to beat the Conservatives.

“The Liberal Democrats, Labour Party and Green Party accept this is a mandate for change and for us to work together.

Optimistic - Labour leader Adam Fox

“We will now begin discussions on forming a new administration with priorities that work for the people of Colchester.”

In a brief mandate seen by the Gazette, the parties have pledged to support residents most in need, invest in the future of Colchester and celebrate its heritage.

Furthermore, the groups state they will deliver on making communities free from litter and graffiti, and will work to make Colchester safer, cleaner and greener.