LABOUR is set to take control of Rugby Borough Council (RBC) under a new pact with the Liberal Democrats.
The two parties have reached an agreement which will see Labour lead the council and form a cabinet – ousting the Conservatives, who have either led or controlled the council for the past 20 years.
The Tories, outnumbered by the other two parties, failed in a bid to establish a formal coalition with the Lib Dems.
The Conservatives remain the largest party on the council despite having lost three seats to Labour in the local election in early May, leaving them with 17 out of 42 seats.
Under the new ‘confidence and supply’ agreement – less formal than a coalition – the Lib Dems will not vote against the new Labour-led administration, which is expected to be confirmed at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday June 5.
Labour Group Leader Coun Michael Moran said: “We are honoured by the trust that voters are increasingly placing in Labour locally and excited by the opportunity to take forward our vision for a better, greener and fairer borough.
“I have a huge amount of respect for the Liberal Democrats and their leader, Coun Jerry Roodhouse, in taking this progressive step.
“It is humbling that we have secured their trust, and I am personally committed to ensuring we continue to work together in a respectful partnership to help the residents and businesses in Rugby and the villages to thrive.”
Coun Roodhouse said: “We will work in a progressive way for the good of Rugby residents. Change is needed now.
“More than ever our town needs regenerating. The council needs a customer charter of standards, and we need to adapt for our changing climate.
“Rugby residents deserve better and we will work with others in a modern progressive way.”
A spokesperson for the Conservative Group said Labour had blocked its minority administration since losing its overall majority a year ago.
They said: “For the past 12 months, Rugby’s Conservative Group sought to work proactively across party lines on the issues that matter to local residents.
“However, this approach was stymied thanks to Rugby Labour’s refusal to engage proactively in any decision-making process over this period.
“We will continue to champion the aspirations of Rugby’s residents – and will use our powerful collective voice to hold the new Labour-Liberal Democrat administration to account.”
