THE Conservatives have taken control of Colchester Council for the first time in 13 years after a crunch vote at Charter Hall.

The council’s new joint administration, including the Highwoods Independents, was confirmed at the authorities annual meeting today.

To enable social distancing it took place at Charter Hall, the first time in more than a century it had been absent from the town hall.

A motion to elect Conservative Group leader Paul Dundas passed by just one vote, with the new administration’s slim majority holding up despite an amendment from Labour leader Adam Fox.

Mr Dundas said it was an honour to become leader of the authority before setting out the new administration’s priorities for the year ahead.

Boss - Conservative Paul Dundas is the new leader of Colchester Council

Boss - Conservative Paul Dundas is the new leader of Colchester Council

He said: “The Conservatives and Highwoods Independents both feel the council needs a change in direction of travel, refocused on engaging with our communities more and concentrating on the things they really care about, rather than sometimes what councillors care about.

“We will maintain an ambitious capital and regeneration programme but will seek to engage with residents and ensure they have their input, rather than fly in the face of public opinion.

“We will re-examine and set new criteria for several proposed schemes.”

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He said the authority will do “everything it can” to find a “better solution” for Middlewick Ranges, where 1,000 homes are planned.

The council’s waste service will be reviewed and the administration will support the development of neighbourhood plans in non-parished areas.

Unusual - the meeting took place in Charter Hall

Unusual - the meeting took place in Charter Hall

Mr Dundas said: “We will work constructively with the county council to the benefit of Colchester where we can.

“We will empower ward councillors to set policies which are right for their ward rather than impose.

“We will make rolling out the new technology CCTV system across the borough, not just the town centre, a priority.

“We will continue to invest in our social housing and continue the building and purchase of new properties.”

He added: “Above all we will try and put Colchester above politics and, yes, that means at some point we will no doubt be critical of both the Government and even sometimes the county council.”

Mr Dundas said more detail of the administration’s policies would be set out in the coming weeks.

He also paid tribute to outgoing leader Mark Cory (Lib Dem), who he said had led the council through the most “extraordinary period” in history.

Gone - Lib Dem Mark Cory will no longer lead the authority

Gone - Lib Dem Mark Cory will no longer lead the authority

He said: “I may not always agree with his politics but I have never been in any doubt about his dedication to the task and the sincerity of his actions.”

The make up of the council’s new cabinet is:

  • Leader & Strategy - Cllr Paul Dundas (Conservative)
  • Deputy Leader & Resources - Cllr Sue Lissimore (Conservative)
  • Economy, Business & Heritage - Cllr Darius Laws (Conservative)
  • Communities - Cllr Beverley Oxford (Highwoods Independent)
  • Housing & Planning - Cllr Andrew Ellis (Conservative)
  • Environment & Sustainability - Cllr Simon Crow (Conservative)