Labour and Green parties take control of Sheffield Council

The two parties and Liberal Democrats have been in talks since the elections on Friday, May 7, deciding the way forward after the council was pushed into no overall control.

Labour and the Greens said they are committed to working in an “open, inclusive and democratic way” ensuring the council has stability and effective leadership.

Councillor Terry Fox, leader of the Labour group, said: “We are delighted to announce this agreement today which represents a new era of politics in our city. Our priority is to put Sheffield first and party politics aside.

“We have worked together to develop this new way of working, with parties coming together and we are committed to making this succeed for the people of Sheffield. Now is a crucial time for Sheffield as we come out of the pandemic and it is more important than ever that we can provide the leadership the city needs.

“We had hoped to make this a triangular arrangements, but unfortunately the Lib Dems didn’t want that, but the door is always open.

“I know that many people thought that this sort of agreement would not be possible and parties wouldn’t be able to work together. I would like to thank the Greens for the way in which they have conducted the negotiations. I look forward to working with them in this partnership.”

Councillor Douglas Johnson, leader of Sheffield Green Party, said: “This heralds a new way of working. For the first time, more than one party is represented in the council leadership.

“I am delighted to take part in delivering what the people of Sheffield have voted for in the referendum – a vote for change. That change means dialogue with other parties, cross-party commitments to provide leadership and a commitment to respect each other. I am pleased that the last week has proved that our two parties can reach consensus on many issues.

“We will put meaningful action to address the climate emergency at the heart of what we do and look forward to a new period of co-operation.”

Initial discussions were held to form a ‘rainbow cabinet’ included all Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat Groups. However, the Liberal Democrats declined to join the executive. If they were to reconsider this decision, both parties have made it clear the door remains open for the Lib Dems to join the new collaborative working in the council.

Coun Fox was nominated as leader and Coun Julie Grocutt will act as deputy leader, supported by both parties on the cabinet which will have 10 members and be politically proportionate with seven Labour and three Green councillors.

Full list of cabinet positions:

Leader

Terry Fox

Deputy Leader

Julie Grocutt

Finance

Cate McDonald

Housing, Roads & Waste Management

Paul Wood

Sustainable neighbourhoods, wellbeing, parks and leisure

Alison Teal

Climate change, environment and transport

Douglas Johnson

Inclusive economy, jobs and skills

Paul Turpin

City Futures, Development, Culture, Regeneration

Mazher Iqbal

Education, Children and Families

Jayne Dunn

Health & Social Care

George Lindars-Hammond