Colchester Council's Lib Dems say they are willing to push on without Labour and form a minority administration after growing fed up of delays.
Liberal Democrat council leader David King said he is “ready” to work with others as the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party continues to dither over a coalition deal.
The Lib Dems and Labour share 15 seats each on Colchester Council and have more than a decade’s experience of working together in power.
But relations have strained after the parties failed to come to an agreement almost three weeks after the local elections earlier this month.
It leaves the council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday morning in jeopardy as council roles cannot be dished out under the circumstances.
The Gazette understands the delay has frustrated local Labour councillors who were happy with the deal which senior party officials continue to deliberate.
A town hall insider said the party was “shocked” to have not gained overall control during this month’s elections, with no party gaining any seat.
The Conservative Group remains the largest party with 19 seats but faces the reality of no other party wanting to join forces with it.
Mr King said: “If they [Labour] cannot work with others, we are ready to do so.
“To serve our residents and to deliver on the democratic mandate that non-Tory parties were given at the local elections just two weeks ago.”
Lib Dem group leader Martin Goss added: “Lib Dems have been ready to go for some days, and we are ready now.
“Our preference, if possible, as last year, is to enter into a formal coalition with Labour and with the support of the Green Party.
“But if that is not possible, we will form a minority Lib Dem administration. And invite other parties, including our former coalition partners, to support us as we deliver the plans and budgets we agreed together last year.”
If the Lib Dems do push ahead, it will lead the council and hold all cabinet positions, the Gazette has been told.
The group will then allow Labour to lead on council committees, forming an unofficial coalition which doesn’t need the approval of the NEC.
- Note: This is a breaking news story and is subject to change should Labour's NEC meet the 5.30pm deadline.
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