Parties in battle to win control of town hall
Election deadlock sparks power struggle
THE Liberal Democrats won all five of their target seats at the council elections to become the equal largest group on Stockport Council – sparking a power struggle with Labour for control of the town hall.
The group made five gains and successfully defended five wards on what proved to be a resurgent night for the party.
But while Labour held all their seats and made
one gain in Manor ward, the Tory vote collapsed across the borough – and the Liberal Democrats took full advantage. Both groups now have 26 councillors. Outgoing Labour chief Alex Ganotis remains leader until the Annual Council Meeting on May 21.
But this interim period is to allow discussions to be had – and potentially pacts, coalitions and agreements to be brokered – as both parties seek to secure the numbers needed to claim the leadership of the council.
THE Liberal Democrats won all five of their target seats to become the equal largest group on Stockport Council – sparking a power struggle with Labour for control of the town hall.
The group made five gains and successfully defended five wards – including the crucial Cheadle Hulme North seat – on what proved to be a resurgent night for the party.
But while Labour held all their seats and made one gain in Manor ward, the Tory vote collapsed across the borough – and the Liberal Democrats took full advantage.
Gains made in retiring Tory leader Syd Lloyd’s Bredbury Green and
Romiley, as well as Hazel Grove, Stepping Hill and the two Marple wards saw them achieve level pegging with Labour.
Both groups now have 26 councillors.
So, what happens next? Under the ‘strong leader’ model, outgoing Labour chief Alex Ganotis remains leader until the Annual Council Meeting on May 21.
But this interim period is to allow discussions to be had – and potentially pacts, coalitions and agreements to be brokered – in the event of just such a result as this election has thrown up.
Labour chiefs believe they will retain control of the council as the Liberal Democrats have not overtaken them in numbers and the Mayor – whom it is understood will be Labour’s Laura Booth – has a casting vote over which party forms the executive.
The Heald Green Independent Ratepayers also traditionally side with the incumbent.
But the Liberal Democrats say nothing is yet decided and they will fight to take back control of the council which slipped from their grasp in 2016.
Group leader, Councillor Mark Hunter, says he expects there will be conversations held over the coming days as the future of the town hall is thrashed out.
He said: “We’ve had a storming night and the momentum is with the Lib Dems. I don’t understand the assumption they (Labour) will carry on. They clearly didn’t make the gains they had planned for and we did.”
Coun Hunter, who said Labour were displaying their ‘natural arrogance’ added: “It’s 26-each, what part of the maths do they not understand? They have no mandate.”
Deputy leader Lisa Smart said that there would be further discussions, although she
again ruled out any coalition with the Tories.
Whether they can strike an agreement with the Heald Green Independent Ratepayers – or even lure a defector from the ranks of another party, remains to be seen.
Labour leader Alex Ganotis said Labour had enjoyed a ‘reasonably good’ night having held all their seats and gained Manor ward.
But he acknowledged the Lib Dems success at the expense of the Tories meant the composition of the council had ‘change slightly’.
He added: “We are cautiously optimistic we can retain the executive, there’s no group larger than ours.”
Conservative chief Coun Syd Lloyd admitted it was a sad way to end his time as group leader.
He said that the Tories, more than any other party, had suffered a backlash over Brexit and he regretted that ‘good councillors’ had paid the price for that.