COLCHESTER'S council leader has unveiled his cabinet for the year after agreeing to run a minority administration at the town hall.

With the Conservatives having long been the largest single party in the chamber, the Liberal Democrats and Labour had run the council for 15 years under a power sharing agreement, with the Greens also part of the coalition last year.

After weeks of negotiations failed to yield an agreement after the council elections, however the Liberal Democrats decided they would go it alone.

Although the official power sharing has ended, both Labour and the Liberal Democrats still have an agreement in place which would allow them to pass motions in the chamber.

The agreement will now see the Liberal Democrats hold all the positions in the cabinet, while Labour will chair committees.

David King, who led the council last term, will remain in post while Mark Cory will serve as deputy leader.

Martin Goss will continue in his role as neighbourhood services and waste portfolio holder, with Andrea Luxford-Vaughan remaining as planning, environment, and sustainability portfolio holder.

Michelle Burrows will become portfolio holder for leisure, culture, and heritage, and Alison Jay – who was elected as a councillor for the first time in December at the Highwoods by-election – will serve as economy, transformation, and performance portfolio holder.

Natalie Sommers will take on the role of portfolio holder for communities and Paul Smith will be the portfolio holder for housing.

Mr King said: “[People] can be assured that we will do all we can in a spirit of openness and constructive engagement to ensure that the city of Colchester is the best it can be and a great place to live, work and visit.”

Labour group leader Julie Young said: “I am certain the people of Colchester will be able to look back at what the Labour group has achieved over the next municipal year and reward the party with even greater support at the next local elections in 2024.”

But Conservative leader Paul Dundas questioned the democratic legitimacy of the new set-up.

He said: “It clearly is a coalition of some description.

“We are the largest group but we have no involvement in the administration whatsoever.

“The Conservatives get the most number of votes in Colchester, and I have to question the legitimacy when all those who have voted Conservative aren’t actually getting any say or power in the administration.”