Change of control at Lewes District Council

A cooperative alliance of the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, Labour and Independent groups, on 15th July, took control of Lewes District Council from the Conservatives.

With Zoe Nicholson, Green Group, becoming Leader, Lewes District Council is now one of a handful of Council’s led by an alliance Cabinet in the UK.

The change followed a resolution at a full council meeting to remove the former leader, Councillor Isabelle Linington, from her position; Councillor James MacCleary (Lib Dem) proposed the resolution and Councillor Chris Collier (Lab) seconded it.

The resolution was passed by 22 votes to 17.  Subsequently, a vote was held to elect a new leader of the council and Councillor Zoe Nicholson (Green) was appointed.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson is also Co-Chair of the Green Party in Lewes.

Councillor Nicholson has confirmed that her Cabinet will include four Green Party councillors, three Liberal Democrats, one Labour and one Independent.

The following councillors and their cabinet portfolios are listed below:

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader – Finance
Councillor James MacCleary, Deputy Leader – Regeneration and Prosperity
Councillor Emily O’Brien – Planning
Councillor Julie Carr – Waste & Recycling
Councillor Matthew Bird – Sustainability
Councillor Will Meyer – Housing
Councillor Johnny Denis – Communities and Customers
Councillor Ruth O’Keeffe – Partners and Enterprise
Councillor Chris Collier – Performance and People

The Green Party is the second largest party on Lewes District Council with nine seats, Liberal Democrats with 8, Labour 3 and 2 Independents.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, said:

“I am delighted that our new cooperative alliance will have the opportunity to share a forward-thinking and exciting vision for the district.

“In the lengthy discussions we’ve held together over the last two months it is clear that we are all passionate about putting the greater good of the district ahead of party politics.
“Our collaborative approach will get what matters done for local residents.”

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