Conservative secures return to lead city council

Colchester City Council will be led by a Conservative again after his party struck a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats.

Paul Dundas took control on Wednesday and Lib Dem David King will become deputy leader.

Neither of them secured a majority when councillors voted for a new leader, and King agreed to step aside.

Dundas said returning to the role was a "privilege" and vowed to prioritise strong financial management.

He had been the council's leader in 2021-22.

Colchester City Council is expected to be disbanded in two years' time, when all 15 Essex councils are due to be replaced with five all-purpose unitary authorities.

No party won a majority in May's local elections, but both the Lib Dems and Labour lost seats to Reform UK.

Labour then suffered a blow when three councillors quit the party and joined a newly formed progressive alliance.

The authority had been led by a Lib Dem and Labour coalition since 2022, and King had been leading the authority.

The Tories are the largest group on the council with 18 seats, while the Lib Dems have 12.

"As we look ahead to local government reorganisation, we will be focusing relentlessly on delivery and getting as much done for Colchester in the remaining time this council has available," Dundas said.

"We will also be looking to leave a legacy of ideas, projects and a vision to take Colchester forward which our successor council can pick up and continue with, should they wish."

The new-look cabinet will contain four councillors from each of the two parties.

King said: "Our focus will be on the issues that matter most to residents."

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