New leader elected for council’s Conservatives
A NEW leader of the Harborough Conservative group has been elected after the party lost control of the district council in last week’s local elections.
Councillor Jonathan Bateman will now take the reins of the Tory group, after its previous leader, Councillor Phil King, stood down earlier this week.
The Tories had a commanding majority on Harborough District Council going into the elections, holding 22 seats. But it lost seven.
No party currently holds a majority on the council, but a coalition is expected to be announced between other parties.
The Liberal Democrats won 13 seats in the election, Labour three and the Greens three, meaning that at least two of the parties will come together to claim power, but which two is yet to be decided.
Former leader Coun King said he was standing down as it was “the right time to go” and because he had been involved in the council’s lead
GROUP LOST CONTROL OF AUTHORITY AT
LOCAL ELECTIONS
ership for the past 10 years. He said he was not upset by the decision.
Coun Bateman was first elected to the council in November 2016, and represents the Misterton Ward.
He said: “I am delighted group colleagues have placed their faith in me to lead the Conservatives on the council and I look forward to serving all the residents in the Harborough district.
“I would like to thank the outgoing
leader, Phil King, for his service these past four years, leading the council through unprecedented times.
“I’ve no doubt he will continue to play an active role within the new council.
“Clearly, the future administration of the council is uncertain following the local elections last week.
“We have extended olive branches to the other three groups to see if we
can form an administration, but it remains to be seen if they are prepared to do so.”
The new leader will be joined by Councillor Simon Whelband, from the Kibworths Ward, as his deputy.
Coun Bateman said: “If we do end up being the opposition group, then we will be holding whoever is in power to account for their multiple and seemingly conflicting pledges made to residents during the election campaign.
“Whatever the outcome, I and my colleagues will do the best we can for residents.”