05:28PM, Thursday 18 May 2023
Matthew Taylor, chair of Slough Liberal Democrats (left)
The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats of Slough look set to form a joint administration for the council.
The Tories won a huge increase of seats in the local elections – but with 21 seats, did not get a majority and no party had overall control.
Three seats went to the Lib Dems, making them the wildcards in the equation.
Tory leader Dexter Smith said the party ‘intends’ to make an administration – and as such, negotiations have been taking place to establish what this would look like.
The party had the option of a minority administration or a coalition; the Lib Dems suggested ‘an all-party agreement’.
It now looks like the two parties have settled the matter.
They have now signed a ‘co-operation agreement’ to provide ‘a stable, Conservative-led administration over the next two years’.
The agreement provides ‘a clear working majority’ and underpins both parties’ commitment to ‘sound financial management of public money’.
It is ‘contingent on the delivery of both parties’ core manifesto commitments’ such as no new 10 per cent council tax increase for 2024/25.
This also includes ‘redrawing the list of proposed assets for sale.’ Other priorities are:
Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the Conservative Group said: “We have a mandate to lead, now we must deliver.”
Matthew Taylor, chair of the Slough Liberal Democrats, said: “The top priority for Slough Lib Dems is restoring sound financial management to Slough Borough Council. [This] is vital in order to return stability to Slough Borough Council and ensure its survival as a viable local authority.
“The Lib Dems initially hoped this could be achieved through an all-party agreement.
“Such an agreement turned out to be impossible but the current agreement should ensure the new administration has a majority to enable it to take the necessary measures.”
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