The South.
Of the 56 councils in the South that held elections this year, 25 now have no majority control, with all the implications that brings for the stability of administrations and predictability of planning committees.
The Conservatives suffered across the region, though they have the silver linings of clinging on in Harlow and Epping Forest and maintaining strong majorities in Broxbourne and Fareham.
Labour will be gratified at their continued strong performance in the kind of Home Counties seats they will need to win in the General Election – places like Milton Keynes, Rushmoor, Thurrock and the South Coast (winning Adur from the Tories).
The Lib Dems generally picked up seats in areas where they were already strong, although they also clocked up notable wins in Dorset and Tunbridge Wells. The Greens and Independents did well picking up seats across the region (especially in rural, traditionally Conservative wards) and will play a part in many of the coalitions that will form over the coming months.
Key highlights.
Fareham, which the Conservatives held at the elections, has a new leader in Simon Martin – who was previously deputy leader and executive member for planning and development.
Councillor Martin has set out in broad strokes what some of his political priorities are, which include continuing the development of Solent Airport as an employment hub and economic growth driver for the borough, continuing the build out at Welborne, and developing a regeneration strategy for the whole of Fareham town centre.
The council also has a new executive member for planning and development in Malcolm Daniells. First elected in 2021, Councillor Daniells is relatively new to politics, and this will be his first cabinet role.
The Surrey council has a new leader – Lib Dem Mike Rollings takes control of the Lib Dem/residents’ association coalition.
Former leader Bruce Macdonald lost his seat at the elections: a result widely attributed to the council’s involvement in contentious plans for a M&S Food Hall in his Claygate ward last year.
Following their election battering, in which they lost 7 seats, the Conservatives have taken another hit with the defection of Samir Kotecha to the Basingstoke and Deane Independent Group.
The council’s annual meeting took place last week and the coalition of the Independent Forum and Lib Dems remains in administration.
The Lib Dems took over from the Conservatives with a one-seat outright majority. However, the newly announced cabinet includes a Green councillor, who will take up the children’s services, education and skills portfolio.
New council leader Nick Ireland is reported as saying it “demonstrates his party’s commitment to cross-party working”: it also reflects the practical difficulties of getting council business done as a single party with such a slim majority.
The Greens, now the largest party on the hung council, have confirmed that they are seeking the leader and deputy leader positions but stressed that they want to “foster good relationships between parties” on policy and committee chair roles.
The council (which was previously run by a Labour minority administration) has its AGM on 21st May. This is when the new administration will be confirmed. The Lib Dems – now third largest party – could potentially pick up some key positions.
Labour has selected former council leader Gavin Callaghan as their new group leader. The party managed to dislodge the Conservative majority on 2nd May, but are four seats short of having a majority themselves.
The Labour group is now “considering its options” on a power-sharing deal with the 11-strong Independent group: the annual meeting is on 23rd May.
While the Conservatives managed to (just) hang on as largest party, discussions are underway between the other groups about the shape of a new administration.
The Lib Dems, Greens and Independents could muster a small majority between them – it will be interesting to see if Labour (who are the smallest groups with six seats) join or remain in opposition following the annual meeting on 18th May.
The Conservatives were wiped out, leaving a two-party state where the People’s Independent Party now have a majority, and all of the remaining seats are held by the Canvey Island Independent Party. Ongoing twists and turns for the Local Plan are anticipated.
The Tories went from being the largest group on the council to the smallest, losing 10 seats. Labour now hold 20 of the 48 seats and it remains to be seen if they remain in coalition with the Lib Dems or attempt to go it alone with a minority administration
While no Conservative loss can really be described as a big shock this year, losing control of this Hampshire council where they previously held 30 of 38 seats must rank highly in the list of the party’s disappointments.
Labour romped home to take Thurrock and Rushmoor, gaining majorities from the Conservatives (in Rushmoor’s case, for the first time in its 50-year history).
The Conservatives managed to cling on to Harlow with a one-seat majority – a result described by local MP Robert Halfon as “the greatest comeback since Lazarus”. Labour also lost a couple of seats in Southampton, which has suffered well-publicised financial woes.
Labour is now the biggest party on Peterborough City Council, though the unitary remains under no-overall control and a coalition with Peterborough First looks likely.
The authority is vying for having the youngest councillor in the country, as an 18-year-old was elected for Labour.
Broxbourne maintains its reputation as a bastion of true-blue political stability, with no seat changes and the Conservatives continuing to enjoy a huge majority (27 out of 30 seats).
The Tories also held on to Fareham (albeit with a reduced majority).
Both councils will still see some change though, as Fareham Leader Sean Woodward and Broxbourne Leader Lewis Cocking have both stepped down.
Check back next week for more insight.
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Insight lead.
George Burr
Associate Director
George has been politically active in the south for many years. His insight is supplemented by colleagues former Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem organisers and councillors in the region.