A political row broke out as the new Lib-Lab leaders of South Gloucestershire Council were formally appointed. Lib Dem Cllr Claire Young and Labour Cllr Ian Boulton were voted in as the authority’s leader and co-leader respectively, promising to “create a different type of council that works with local people to make South Gloucestershire a better place for everyone”, at a meeting of full council on Wednesday night (May 24).
But Cllr Sam Bromiley, the new leader of the opposition Conservatives who lost their overall majority at the local elections earlier this month after eight years in control, said it was a “coalition destined to fail”. He criticised “secret, backroom deals” between the two parties and the fact the public had still not seen their partnership agreement.
Cllr Young said: “I am delighted to take on the role of council leader and to have the opportunity to put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire to help improve the lives of local people. People voted for change in May following eight years of Conservative majority rule, and the Liberal Democrats and Labour groups have agreed to work in partnership to deliver that change.
