Although the Conservatives took a battering last Thursday, they are still in control of Essex County Council. They have just chosen a new leader and deputy leader, to replace their previous leader who stepped down.
The new leader is David Finch, who was previously deputy leader and represents Hedingham. Rather confusingly, according to the County Council, his home address is Blacksmiths Cottage
Borley, Nr Sudbury , Suffolk. But it seems that the village of Borley is indeed just inside the boundaries of Essex.
The new deputy leader is Kevin Bentley, who represents Stanway and Pyefleet and lives on Mersea Island.
Which Party will form the Official Opposition please?
Regards
Aren’t the Lib Dems, Labour and UKIP all equal with 9 seats?
Yes, but I understand that UKIP is now the Official Opposition by virtue of the highest share of the vote of the three. Is that correct?
I really don’t know – not something that I’ve seen mentioned online anywhere.
All opposition parties are equal except that some are more equal than others….
Could the Greens with join one of the other parties to form an opposition group of 11? Would be interesting to see which one they would choose.
@Angelina
I believe this approach has been muted already.
I will stick to my understanding that, whilst it is not online, that as UKIP had the higher share of the vote across Essex that UKIP have replaced whatever party was previously the Official Opposition.
But was it Lib Dem or Labour?
The Lib Dems were previously the largest opposition group…
Does not being the Official Opposition cause any loss of influence?
I don’t think it makes much difference in the title alone. It’s the number of seats you have relative to other parties that determines your influence – and how able your councillors are!
“and how able your councillors are !”
Are you having a dig at any particular party here?
No !
I’ve heard at all now, an idea to have a coalition opposition, what would they be called, the Liberal GreenKips ?