A NEW coalition is set to lead Colchester Council after representatives from the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties agreed a power sharing deal.

The announcement comes after more than a week of talks between the three parties.

Following council elections earlier this month, the Conservative party – which had previously controlled Colchester Council – lost four seats, whilst Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties all made gains.

Although the Conservatives still hold 19 seats – the most on the council – a pact containing the Liberal Democrats’ 14 seats, Labour’s 13, and the Green party’s three will see a three way coalition take control of Colchester Town Hall.

It means the coalition will hold 30 seats out of a total of 51.

A new leader of the council is also set to be installed, after the previous leader, Tory Paul Dundas, was unseated in his council ward of Stanway earlier this month.

Subject to confirmation at Colchester Council’s annual general meeting next Wednesday, Liberal Democrat councillor David King will be sworn in as the new leader of the council with Labour’s Adam Fox serving as deputy.

A statement from the coalition said it will prioritise tackling the biggest challenges to Colchester, including sustainability, climate change, and the cost-of-living crisis.

Expected to be appointed as new council leader next Wednesday, David King, said the coalition hopes to restore Colchester’s trust in politics.

He said: “If confirmed as the new leader of the council I will ensure we help the most vulnerable in this cost-of-living crisis.

“We will support those that help others, like our local food banks.  We will do what we can to restore trust in politics. By making sure we can do what we promise whilst still providing award winning services across the borough.”

Colchester Labour leader Adam Fox added: “This will be a new administration with new priorities for Colchester.

“We have new people with fresh ideas to tackle the biggest challenges for residents. We will deliver for people locally on the cost-of-living crisis, the environment and supporting our local economy.”

And Colchester Green party co-ordinator Steph Nissen, said: “We hope that by working together, we can begin to rebuild trust in British politics by engaging in kinder, mature collaboration which puts our communities needs first and further addresses the climate and ecological emergency.”