Newcastle Lib Dems to lead Newcastle City Council

The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party have agreed an arrangement to run Newcastle City Council.

The Liberal Democrats will be in charge of the authority with a minority administration after securing support from the Green Party, ending 15 years of Labour control.

Under a Stability and Co-Operation Agreement between the parties, the Liberal Democrats will be in charge of the authority with a minority administration, taking executive responsibility for leading the Council, while the Greens will "serve as a co-operative opposition" through a confidence-and-supply arrangement.

Lib Dem councillor and Leader of the Lib Dem Group, Colin Ferguson, has been formally appointed as council leader following an AGM on Wednesday 27 May, said “Voters in Newcastle have totally changed the political set-up at the Civic Centre. Our priority has been to ensure the Council is stable, working cross-party, and delivering the change the people of Newcastle want to see.”

He continued: "It's clear we need to work together to implement a forward-looking set of policies that works for every resident of the city, and we will shortly announce policy objectives for the year ahead. I look forward to working with the Green groip and others across the whole chamber to deliver meaningful change quickly which people can see in their communities." 

Nick Hartley, Leader of the Green Party Group, said “This is a new era for Newcastle politics. Residents want to see politicians putting the interests of Newcastle ahead of tribal politics and working together to improve life across our city.”

He continued "This agreement allows the Greens to remain an independent and co-operative opposition while playing a meaningful role in shaping the future direction of Newcastle and strengthening democratic accountability."