Colchester Council confirms new administration and cabinet

On Tuesday the Gazette revealed how the Liberal Democrats will remain in charge of Colchester Town Hall following almost two weeks of crunch talks after voters had their say.

The leadership of Colchester Council had been left hanging in the balance after all parties failed to secure an overall majority on May 2.

It has now been confirmed the minority local government will be supported on case-by-case basis by councillors from the Labour Party and Green Party. 

Despite this, Lib Dem leader Martin Goss, was clear the party would "not going into a formal coalition with either the Greens or Labour", when speaking to the Gazette. 

Council documents confirming the make-up of the council were published on Wednesday, which also detailed which councillors would take on which roles. 

Leader - Councillor David King remains leader of Colchester Council

David King remains at the helm as leader and is also be responsible for strategy, while Mark Cory remains as deputy leader responsible for resources. 

Mr Goss, meanwhile, retains his responsibility for neighbourhoods and waste while also picking up the portfolio for leisure. 

Planning, environment, and sustainability remains with Andrea Luxford Vaughan and economic growth and transformation with Alison Jay.

Paul Smith takes charge once again of housing, while Natalie Sommers is in charge of communities, heritage and public Protection. 

Mr King said: “We are excited to embark on this new chapter for Colchester.

"Despite the challenges of rising costs and demand, and limited funding, we remain committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents and investing in our city's future.

"We will work with the opposition and all parties and stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for our city.

“Although this will be a minority administration, the Liberal Democrats and Labour parties have a clear majority on the council, having worked together effectively for many years.

"We will work in a cooperative spirit, through the year ahead, to deliver our manifestos and the balanced budget needed by the council to sustain services." 

Votes - Elections took place on May 2 (Image: Steve Brading)

"This will be in the best interests of the City of Colchester, local businesses, our partners and, most importantly, our residents – working with other parties, where we can, to achieve our common aims.

"Working together, we will ensure Colchester remains a vibrant and thriving place to live, work, and visit."

The Gazette was previously led to believe the Green Party, which now has three seats on the council and was also previously in a coalition with the Lib Dems and Labour, would not be involved in the "informal agreement".

But Mr King added: “I am pleased the Green Party has said they will also work cooperatively with the Liberal Democrats and other parties to ensure change and the council's essential services can continue to be delivered in the best interests of our residents.

"My thanks to them all.” 

Appointments to council committees will be confirmed in the coming days, a spokesman for Colchester Council added.