Camden Lib Dems take the lead

2.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 24th May 2006

Cllr Keith Moffitt, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and Cllr Andrew Marshall, Leader of the Conservative Group, have today (Wednesday 24 May) announced that their groups have signed an agreement to form a Liberal Democrat-Conservative partnership administration, outlining key policy priorities and mechanisms for an effective working partnership.

The partnership administration's priorities will include:

- better value for money with a Council tax freeze next year

- explore options to build at least one new secondary school

- a fair deal on residents parking, ending clamping as soon as practicable

- a stronger environmental emphasis with enhanced recycling

- improved consultation and enforcement on planning and licensing

- a fresh approach to tackling crime and drugs

- bringing decision making closer to people with new area forums across the borough

- improve the quality of Camden's housing

Under the agreement, Cllr Moffitt will become the Leader of the Council and Cllr Marshall the Deputy Leader, subject to ratification at tonight's Statutory Council.

Cllr Moffitt said: "Tonight will see the first meeting of the new Camden Council and, importantly, the shift of power from Labour to the Liberal Democrats. This was a real vote for change, and by working in a positive partnership with Camden's Conservatives we intend to use every opportunity to achieve that change and make Camden a council that is more responsive, and listens to the views of all residents.

The 20 Lib Dem Councillors form the largest group on Camden Council. Keith Moffitt (Centre) is the new Leader of the Council.

"We look forward to implementing key elements of the Liberal Democrat agenda, including a greater commitment to protecting the environment, tackling crime and bringing decision making closer to local residents, in a socially liberal framework".

Cllr Marshall said: "The election saw the decisive rejection of Labour and more Conservative councillors than at any time since the mid 1980s. Working in constructive partnership with Camden's Liberal Democrats will allow us to bring real change that is visible to residents across Camden. Conservative manifesto proposals - for example on greater efficiency in the council, and on higher standards in our housing service ¬- are firmly represented in the partnership administration's agreed priorities, which we will be working hard to achieve over the next four years."

The agreement is a public document and is attached to this statement together with a list of key policy priorities. The preamble to the document, which follows, sets out the framework for the agreement:

"On 4th May 2006, after 35 years, the voters of Camden decisively rejected the Labour party. The Liberal Democrats tripled their number of seats and emerged as the largest party with 20 Councillors. The Conservatives also gained seats and now have 14 Councillors.

"Whilst no single party emerged with a majority of seats, the Liberal Democrat and the Conservative groups recognise that the clear message from voters on the 4th May was a rejection of Labour and are therefore entering into a Liberal Democrat-Conservative Partnership Administration to reflect the wishes of the voters of Camden.

"This partnership administration therefore commands the support of nearly 60% of the electorate, and a solid majority of council seats. Having examined our manifestos, we have identified a considerable degree of overlap on our key priorities for changing Camden and recognise that we can both implement key elements of our manifesto commitments and deliver real improvements to the residents of Camden. Our key joint priorities are attached to this agreement.

"Both of our Groups recognise that a robust scrutiny process will improve Executive decision making in Camden and is in the interests of Camden residents. We will therefore establish five standing scrutiny committees, covering the three service departments (Housing/Adult Social Services/Community Safety; Children, Families and Schools; and Environment and Culture), Resources and Corporate Performance, and Health. We will be looking to our own backbenchers, as well as members of the opposition parties, to provide this robust scrutiny and we will allocate scrutiny chairs in political proportionality to further improve this process.

"In entering into this agreement, we are clear that this is not an electoral pact. Each party understands that when any election or by-election occurs, both political parties will stand and campaign for their candidates as they would normally."

The agreement can be read in full here http://www.camdenlibdems.org.uk/agreement