LEADER of Colchester Council David King apologised to councillors at a full meeting after the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties failed to reach a coalition agreement.

Both parties, who shared power along with the Green Party during the last administration, had been locked in talks for three weeks after the council elections earlier this month saw the main parties hold all of their respective council wards across the city.

But after the Labour party's executive body blocked a power sharing deal with the Liberal Democrats, the Lib Dems announced they will push on with a minority administration.

Gazette: In the hotseat – John Jowers chaired the full council meeting on WednesdayIn the hotseat – John Jowers chaired the full council meeting on Wednesday (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

The two parties had previously shared power on Colchester Council for 15 years.

Whilst the Labour Party will chair committees, the Liberal Democrats will hold cabinet seats.

Addressing the chamber, David King, now in his second year as council leader, said: “I apologise to members across the chamber that the discussions have taken you to the edge personally and collectively [and] I’m sorry the way things have worked out.

“[But] I am pleased we are here today.

“The new administration will require an understanding from across the chamber [and] the programme is one as before which will attract support from familiar coalition partners.

“I commend the cabinet and the way in which we can work together.”

Colchester Conservative group leader Paul Dundas responded by criticising the way in which the past three weeks’ of negotiations have dragged on without a coalition being formed.

The Conservatives remain the largest single party in Colchester after they successfully held on to 19 wards at the council elections.

Paul Dundas who himself returned as a councillor after losing his ward at last year’s election, said: “I wouldn’t normally speak on this item, but someone needs to say something.

Gazette: Unimpressed – Dundas said the Liberal Democrats and Labour would need good fortune over the coming yearsUnimpressed – Dundas said the Liberal Democrats and Labour would need good fortune over the coming years (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“I do welcome councillor King’s apology [but] the last few days have not been good enough.

“The advice to Labour is: never enter negotiations unless you can deliver what you have negotiated.

“If it takes three weeks to deliver a yes or no answer for a second tier local government coalition, then heaven help us.

“We should not wish failure on our political opponents. I wish good luck to you all – I think you are going to need it.”