Labour say talks to form Cherwell alliance including them have failed

Councillor Woodcock says serious negotiations have concluded without agreement

Discussions between the Labour Group and other parties have failed to find enough common ground to include Labour in a coalition to take control at Cherwell District Council.

Following the Local Elections on May 4 the Conservatives fell below the threshold of 25 seats at the council which would enable them to rule alone.   Since then talks have been held between the parties to see if any common ground can be found.

This morning the Leader of the Labour Group has told Banbury FM that the talks involving them have concluded without any agreement.

Councillor Sean Woodcock says Labour will now hold to account whatever administration does form.

He said: “The local election results in Cherwell demonstrated that people are fed up of the Conservative Party; in government and at the council.

“Unfortunately, after weeks of serious negotiation with other parties, we have taken the difficult decision that we are unable to form a stable, alternative administration.

“We will continue to hold whatever administration does form to account with our increased representation on the district council and a clear mandate to speak up for the people of Banbury.”

The largest group at Cherwell remains the Conservatives with 20 seats.   Labour has 12 seats, the Liberal Democrats 10 and Greens and Independents 3 each.  Any alliance which has 25 of the 48 seats at Cherwell can take control.

Banbury FM has contacted the Liberal Democrats for details of where they currently stand.

Cherwell District Council’s annual meeting is due to take place tomorrow evening (Wednesday).

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Published: 16/05/2023 11:30am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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