Brighton's Greens Set For City Council Lead

Labour resignations mean the Green Party has become the largest single party on Brighton and Hove City Council, and is set to take power officially after a local authority meeting tomorrow (July 23).

The balance of power shifted in the city as three formerly Labour councillors resigned, two of them under investigation.

As the Greens became Brighton and Hove's largest party, by a single seat but far from sufficient for a majority, Labour said it would pursue its future on the council as the official Opposition, and not continue attempts to share power in an alliance.

The share of each party or grouping among the 54 seats on Brighton and Hove City Council today is:

• Green — 19 seats
• Labour — 18 seats
• Conservative — 13 seats
• Independents — 4 seats

The Greens previously held the position of largest party, though a minority, between 2011 and 2015.

Late on Tuesday evening (July 21) Labour stated:

"Following the Green Party's rejection of Labour's offer of power-sharing, and since becoming the largest party on Brighton & Hove City Council with 19 councillors to Labour's 18, it is only right that Labour step aside and allow the Greens to form a new administration.

"This is in the interests of democracy, and in the best interests of the city.

"Labour will embrace opposition and take on the crucial role of standing up for residents and holding the new administration to account from opposition.

"Labour say it is essential to put the needs of residents and businesses first, not party politics, especially during the public health crisis.

"This means that's what's needed is a smooth and orderly transition, but also one that happens quickly so that there is immediate clarity about the leadership of the city."

Before Labour's statement, the Greens issued this communication:

"Greens remain concerned that the city is missing the leadership it desperately needs, due to ongoing division between Labour councillors.

"Residents deserve a functioning council and this is our primary focus. 

“Resignations have left the Labour group with 18 seats and the Greens with 19: and it is clear neither party can claim a majority to lead our city alone.

"However, Greens are united in our determination to see the city through our many current challenges and will work with all parties in order to get this achieved.

"Helping our city recover from the worst of Covid-19 is the most urgent task."

It continued:

“Last year Labour and Greens agreed to work together to ensure that the city would see positive change in four key areas: our climate emergency, on housing and homelessness, on combatting austerity and in making the city a fairer place.

"Our collaborative work has led to positive improvements, including a renewed focus on reducing rough sleeping and delivering a climate assembly to reduce our toxic emissions by 2030."

Cllr. Nancy Platts, the Labour councillor who led Brighton and Hove City Council, said:

"It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the city I love over the last year.

"Let's not forget that by working in a constructive way with opposition groups, we have gained support for a corporate plan that puts Labour pledges into council policy, a City Plan that provides a blueprint for sustainable development in the city, and a progressive and balanced budget in difficult financial circumstances.

"We must now build on that work to create a fairer city with a sustainable future, and continue to serve our residents from Opposition."