Runnymede Liberal Democrats position on Runnymede Borough Council
The Runnymede Liberal Democrats have previously stated that we will work constructively with all the borough and county stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for both existing and new residents. This continues to be our position:
Runnymede Council Alliance (RCA) Joint Administration Group – Press Release
On May 2nd, 2024, the Runnymede Council Elections saw the ruling Conservative group lose seven more seats to opposition parties across the borough. This has left them with only 13 out of 41 seats on the Council. Already in a minority administration for the 2023-2024 civic year and relying on the support of Councillors from Ottershaw, the Conservatives are now unable to command sufficient support to retain control of the Council going forward.
Subsequently, four political groups have agreed to form the new administration for the forthcoming civic year, the first time in the authority’s 50-year history.
The heads of those four political groups – Linda Gillham of the Runnymede Independent Residents’ Group and Englefield Green Independents (RIRG&EGI), Robert King of Labour and Co-operative, Don Whyte of the Liberal Democrats and Steve Ringham of the Green Party – will Co-lead the authority in a ground-breaking new leadership. All four groups will have equal say in the decisions and future direction of the Council.
The Co-Leaders said “Runnymede residents have clearly been voting for change for some time now. This is clearly evidenced by the Conservatives having lost 20 seats since May 2019. However, residents in different areas have also voted for different alternative parties to represent them. So, to fairly represent our residents, we must ensure all those different viewpoints are heard in the new outlook and direction of the Council. That this will be happening in the year of Runnymede’s 50th anniversary seems somehow appropriate timing for a change of leadership and a change of direction.”
“Our agreement to work together recognises the need for pragmatic and sensible Leadership at a time of great importance for the authority. The public have a right to expect co-operation and unity in how their Council is run. It is public knowledge that Runnymede is facing significant financial issues, caused by the undervaluing of local government by Westminster and decisions by the previous Conservative administration. Putting aside our political differences to collectively resolve those challenges means we can best face and resolve these challenges in Runnymede. By building on our political heritages and sharing the policy making democratically between us, we believe we can give both strong leadership and a decision-making process that is more transparent and welcomes public scrutiny, and which our residents will better understand and relate to.”
Signed
Linda Gillham (RIRG & EGI)
Robert King (Labour & Co-operative)
Don Whyte (Liberal Democrats)
Steve Ringham (Green Party)