Coalition to run Huntingdonshire District Council

Liberal Democrats, Greens and Independents have agreed a coalition to run Huntingdonshire District Council.

No single party had overall control after the local elections earlier this month.

The Lib Dems were the largest party, with 20 seats out of the 52 available, and have joined with the two Green party members and four Independents.

There are also 15 Conservative councillors, 10 from Reform UK and one from Labour.

The council will be led by Liberal Democrat Sarah Conboy, who has been the council's executive leader for four years and has previously led a council supported by the Greens, Labour and Independents.

She said she was hoping to bring "strength and stability" to the council as it prepared for Local Government Reorganisation.

"Our new councillors bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to complement our returning councillors.

"Together we are the right people to ensure Huntingdonshire's residents are well represented and can rely on support from the council when they need it."

Green Party councillor Stephen Ferguson was elected as council chair and will have the casting vote in any votes that are tied, something that may prove key with the coalition being one councillor short of a majority.

"I am incredibly honoured to be elected as chair," he said.

"In a finely balanced council, robust scrutiny and political challenge are essential, but they must be conducted with respect, kindness and decency."

Reform UK councillor Ricky Ioannides criticised the coalition.

"It was political manoeuvring to maintain the old status quo and shut out the demand for change," he said.

"We saw a rainbow coalition come together to keep Reform, and the substantial number of residents who voted for representation on the right, away from positions of influence."

The Conservatives are the second largest party on the council.

Group leader Ross Martin said they would speak up for the district and work with the new administration if they were willing.

"We are big enough to matter, small enough to care.

"We are ready to work collaboratively when it is in the best interest of Huntingdonshire and the residents we serve, but also relentlessly, robustly and unapologetically hold the minority Lib Dem administration to account."

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