The new leader of the opposition Kizzy Gardiner says she will ‘work with the new administration in the best interests of all residents’, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter
Labour councillors will work with the new Green administration in the “best interest of residents,” the new leader of the opposition says.
Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, the former cabinet member for children, has replaced William Morris ward councillor Grace Williams as local Labour leader.
Hale End and Highams Park South ward councillor Rosalind Doré, the former cabinet member for culture, will serve as her deputy.
In a statement, Cllr Gardiner said: “After 16 years of strong Labour leadership, the electorate has decided to choose new council leadership.
“We have passed the baton to the new Green administration, and even though we are no longer leading the council, we will continue to work hard and speak up to ensure the right decisions are made.
“We will work with the new administration in the best interests of all residents, and we will stand up for our communities and make our concerns clear whenever we feel this Green leadership is not acting in the best interests of our borough.”
The Greens surged to victory in the 7th May local elections, winning 31 of 60 seats. The authority has historically been seen as a Labour stronghold.
The new administration will be responsible for setting council budgets, making planning decisions, supporting local businesses, maintaining parks, running libraries and managing bin collections.
Its two biggest challenges will be delivering social housing and tackling homelessness in the borough.
New Forest ward councillor Paul Perkins, who served as co-chair of the Waltham Forest Green Party prior to the elections, said: “Residents have chosen a fresh start. We now have a responsibility to show what a genuinely community-led Green administration can achieve.”
He is set to be officially elected leader of the council at a meeting this week.
Labour fell from 47 councillors in 2022 to just 15, with many senior councillors and cabinet members losing their seats.
The Conservatives gained one seat from their 2022 result, bringing their total to 14. Councillor Emma Best retained her role as group leader, but no longer serves as the leader of the opposition.
Former council leader Grace Williams is still an elected councillor but no longer holds a position of authority in the Labour party. Former deputy leaders Ahsan Khan and Clyde Loakes held onto their seats.
The turnout of 42.08% was a record for the borough in local elections.
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