It has been confirmed today (14/5) that Milton Keynes Council will be run by both Labour and the Lib Dems in a "progressive alliance".
Following last Thursday’s local elections, the Conservatives leapfrogged Labour to become the largest party with 24 seats, to Labour’s 19, and the Lib Dems on 13.
But because the combined Labour and Lib Dems together held the majority vote, and together have the most seats in the council, they will now run a majority administration.
This means that Milton Keynes Council will have a Labour Leader and a Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader.
Cllr Pete Marland, Leader of the Labour Group, says that this alliance will "change the way" that Milton Keynes Council works.
"It is putting people above politics and providing hope for the future," he said.
“Together our Groups have a wealth of knowledge, experience and diversity that truly reflects Milton Keynes. United we will be bolder and faster in delivering an economic recovery, reducing child poverty, getting the basics right and making Milton Keynes the greenest city in the world.”
Cllr Robin Bradburn is the newly elected Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group. He said that since the elections, all three parties held "constructive talks" but claims that the Conservative Group allegedly wanted to run the Council alone.
He said: "From our talk with the Conservatives, it became clear their aim was to run the Council alone, and they were not willing to work together. The Conservatives do not have a majority, and they received the minority of votes when compared to the combined Liberal Democrat and Labour vote.
“The Labour Group are willing to work with us to deliver a green recovery for Milton Keynes that will focus on the environment, local businesses and the most vulnerable people in our society. We thank them for putting party politics aside to work with us to give residents a new start, and make sure that our recovery from the pandemic is prosperous, green and fair.”
The Conservative Group has shared its disappointment about the result, despite the party having the "best election in MK ever".
Cllr Alex Walker, Leader of the Conservatives, said: "On Thursday last week Milton Keynes residents gave us their support to deliver our plan to get MK back on track. Labour and the Lib Dems lost seats in their heartlands and we had our best election in MK ever.
"The arrogance from the Labour and Lib Dem councillors - even after being resoundingly rejected at the ballot box - is mind boggling. They have created a coalition of complacency."
Cllr Walker has also issued an apology to residents that voted for his party.
He continued: "To those voters who overwhelmingly supported our message and plan, I'm sorry. But we will step up our campaign and together work towards a Conservative majority in May next year.
"Until then, we will scrutinise and challenge this coalition to ensure our recovery is not put at risk."
Labour and Lib Dems have today unveiled their new logo; a rainbow that says the words "a progressive alliance for MK" and "putting people before politics".
