Tories lose control as coalition deal reached

THE Conservatives are set to lose control of Calderdale Council which they have run since 2000, mostly without an overall majority.

An agreement between the Liberal Democrat and Labour groups has been reached that will see them taking over the leadership in a joint administration at the annual meeting of the council on Monday.

The shake-up follows the local elections that saw both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour groups increase their numbers by two, whilst the Conservatives lost ground.

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The Tories still have the most seats with 20, but the Labour Party has 10 and the Liberal Democrats have 17.

Coun Janet Battye (Liberal Democrat, Calder) will become leader and Coun Tim Swift (Labour, Town) will become deputy leader.

Coun Battye said: "Following the elections I have spoken to the leaders of all the other groups, but it became clear that the Conservatives were not willing to change the way the council is run.

"We and the Labour group are agreed that significant changes need to be made if the council is to provide the leadership that Calderdale needs."

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Coun Swift said: "The local council elections gave a clear message that people want to see change in the way Calderdale Council operates.

''If the council is to regain the trust and confidence of local people, we need to demonstrate that it is possible to run the council in a way that is open, treats people fairly, and delivers on the services people need."

This arrangement is subject to confirmation at Monday's meeting.