Blaby District Council Update – Political Changes and Leadership Decisions

Following the recent local elections and subsequent political movements within Blaby District Council, the composition of the council has changed significantly.

• One Labour councillor has become Independent
• One Conservative portfolio holder has also moved to Independent
• The Liberal Democrats lost a seat to Reform UK

As a result, the current political makeup of the council is:

• Conservatives: 18
• Liberal Democrats: 8
• Labour: 5
• Greens: 2
• Independents: 2
• Reform UK: 1

At the council meeting held on Tuesday evening, elections were held for key positions, including the Chair of the Council. Traditionally, this role is rotated between parties as a gesture of cross-party cooperation. However, with the Conservatives holding only a slender lead, if at all, and the Chair having the casting vote in tied decisions, the Conservatives were determined to retain the position.

The Liberal Democrat group proposed that a Labour councillor take on the Chair role this year. This was in keeping with the established custom and also brought attention to a concerning arrangement: the Labour group leader had reportedly agreed to support the Conservatives in exchange for becoming Chair of Scrutiny, a role that includes an additional allowance.

This kind of deal-making for personal gain is deeply disappointing. Politics should be about service to the public, not private advantage or backroom arrangements.

As a result of this deal, Labour supported the Conservatives in the vote, and the Chair remains in Conservative control.

In addition, a new Conservative Council Leader has now been appointed.

We remain committed to standing up for transparency, accountability, and fair representation on Blaby District Council. Residents deserve a council that puts people before politics