Tories to hold talks over city control

PLYMOUTH Conservative leader Nick Kelly has said that he will be looking to discuss forming a ‘working relationship’ with the seven independent councillors remaining on the council after Labour lost its overall majority in the elections today.

The Conservative Party needed 29 seats to take full control of the council, but fell just short with 26.

Cllr Kelly said that although they didn’t have enough to “get over the line to be outright winners”, the party would begin discussions with independent councillors to secure control.

He said: “What we will be looking to do is discuss how we can form a working relationship with independent councillors to take control of the city and move forward. That’s the work we need to do.”

The make up of the council currently sees 26 Conservative seats, Labour with 24 and independents with seven.

The Tories made shock gains across Plymouth and romped to victory in Labour heartlands in the 2021 local elections.

Mr Kelly added: “We’re absolutely delighted. We’ve taken seats we never would’ve dreamt we would and seen some really big turnarounds in wards that have been typically Labour.

“Plymouth has spoken and through the hard work and dedication of candidates and activists we’re delighted.

“The results are fresh in, we’ve got to look at the permutations there’s lots of discussions that need to take place. But what I can guarantee for Plymouth is that our manifesto will become reality, Plymouth reaches its potential and we start work as soon as possible.”

Labour lost seats in places such as Ham, Honicknowle, St Budeaux, Budshead, Moor View and Southway, with the deputy council leader Pete Smith, Lord Mayor Chris Mavin and deputy Lord Mayor Darren Winter all being ousted at the polls.

Labour group leader Tudor Evans said he was gutted and paid tribute to the Lord Mayor and deputy Cllr Smith, who was voted out on his birthday.

Cllr Evans said: “Personally I’m gutted. I’m gutted for them and the Labour Party is gutted. The Lord Mayor has been a brilliant servant, he’s an alderman in the city, he’s been a councillor for 18 years. My deputy Pete, it’s his birthday today.

“What a birthday present to be booted out of your seat he’s represented so well for all this time. But this is politics: it’s swings and roundabouts, it’s the rough with the smooth.

“There are easier ways to make a living. But if you choose to do this you have to accept the rough with the smooth.”