Ahead of tomorrow’s Powys County Council annual meeting, it has been confirmed that a Lib/Lab coalition will run Powys County Council as a minority administration.
The coalition between Liberal Democrats and Labour is also likely include Jeremy Thorp, the Green Party’s only councillor in Powys.
At the local elections earlier this month, the Liberal Democrats emerged as the biggest party in Powys with no one group claiming an overall majority.
For nearly three weeks discussions and negotiations have been going on between James Gibson-Watt, Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Labour leader Matthew Dorrance as well as other group leaders.
With 23 official Liberal Democrats, nine Labour councillors and one Green, joining forces that leaves the coalition with 33 councillors out of a total of 68 on the authority.
At tomorrow’s council annual meeting Cllr Gibson-Watt is expected to be elected as council leader.
The agreement between the Liberal Democrats and Labour will focus on a set of aims and objectives for the new council designed to deliver a fresh and distinctive path to meet the serious challenges the county faces.
Lib Dem Group Leader James Gibson-Watt and council leader elect, Cllr James Gibson-Watt said: “This looks set to be a historic moment for Powys.
“Not since the county’s formation has it been run by anyone other than the independents in one form or another.
“The elections in May 2022 saw a huge change to the composition of the council.”
“Progressive parties all gained seats, demonstrating a desire from the electorate for the council to change direction, culture and values.
“It is now the intention of myself and the Liberal Democrat Group to work with the Labour group to deliver this change in direction and drive the drastic improvement Powys needs.
“While there are differences between our parties we find that there is much on which we agree that gives us a firm foundation for a shared administration that builds a stronger, fairer, and greener future for our county.
“I’m excited to get on with the job and start delivering for the people of Powys.”
Powys Labour group leader Cllr Matthew Dorrance added: “We want to help build a stronger, fairer, and greener future for Powys and our agreement sets out a road map to that future.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to work together to build consensus and agreement around a shared vision for the future where communities prosper, and the council works for families across the county.
“The challenge is immense, but we stand ready to serve.”
As it stands Powys Council is made up of:
Liberal Democrats – 23
Conservatives – 14
Non-affiliated – 13 (which includes Green Party)
Labour – 9
Independent group – 6
Plaid Cymru – 3.
