Liberal Democrats and Labour agree to form Powys County Council administration
Powys County Council is set to be led by party political groups for the first time since its creation, after the formation of a Lib/Lab pact.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats look set to form an administration in partnership with Welsh Labour.
This is likely to also include the sole Green Councillor in Powys Jeremy Thorp, the councillor for Forden and Montgomery.
James Gibson-Watt, the Welsh Liberal Democrat group leader on Powys Council, is expected to be elected as leader of the council at its annual meeting on Thursday, becoming the first Liberal Democrat council leader in Wales since 2012.
The minority administration would have 34 councillors, exactly half of the unitary authority.
The 2022 election results were; Liberal Democrats, 24 members; Independent, 17; Conservative, 14; Labour, 9; Plaid Cymru, 3; Green, 1.
The agreement between the Welsh Liberal Democrats and Welsh Labour will focus on a set of aims and objectives for the new council, which the parties say are designed to deliver a fresh and distinctive path to meet the serious challenges the county faces.
Councillor Gibson-Watt said: “This looks set to be an historic moment for the county of Powys. Not since the county's formation has it been run by anyone other than the Independents in one form or another.
“The elections in May 2022 saw a huge change to the composition of Powys County Council. Progressive parties all gained seats, demonstrating a desire from the electorate for Powys County Council to change direction, culture and values.
“It is now the intention of myself and the Welsh Liberal Democrat Group to work with the Welsh Labour group to deliver this change in direction and drive the drastic improvement Powys Council needs.
“While there are differences between our parties, we find that there is much on which we agree that gives us a firm foundation for a shared administration that builds a stronger, fairer and greener future for our county.
“I’m excited to get on with the job and start delivering for the people of Powys.”
Welsh Labour group leader Councillor Matthew Dorrance added: “We want to help build a stronger, fairer and greener future for Powys and our agreement sets out a road map to that future.
“I am very pleased that Welsh Labour and the Welsh Liberal Democrats have been able to work together to build consensus and agreement around a shared vision for the future where communities prosper, and the council works for families across the county.
“The challenge is immense, but we stand ready to serve.”
