As a result of two Labour Councillors resigning, the Green Party have become the biggest group on the council, with 19 Councillors to Labour’s 18. It is customary that the largest party forms the administration on Brighton & Hove City Council. So, in the interests of democracy, and the best interests of the city, it was only right that we stepped aside and allowed the Greens to form a new administration to lead the council.

You can find more details about the handover here: https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2020/update-green-administration-brighton-hove-city-council

Outgoing Council Leader Nancy Platts, who is now Leader of the Official Opposition, said:

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the city I love over the last year. Leading the City Council is a role that requires full attention which is why I left my job to take over as Council Leader and I have no regrets about that. 

“As a Labour administration, we should be proud of our achievements since 2015 and the manifesto that we stood on in the local elections. Since May 2019 we have continued to prioritise building more homes, including council homes and set up a climate assembly to achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030. 

“More recently we have helped steer the city through an unprecedented public health crisis and focused our efforts on economic recovery; backing our local businesses and supporting our most vulnerable residents, including children, those with disabilities and older people. 

“We made disabled bus passes available to use 24/7, set up a BAME community engagement fund, rolled out more electric vehicle charging points and e-cargo bikes, distributed grants to youth projects around the city and lobbied government for rent control powers and further support for small businesses.

“We can take pride in the legacy of upcoming works at Black Rock, the re-opening of Shelter Hall and the regeneration of our seafront, as well as the increase in council and affordable homes. Working constructively with opposition groups also meant we secured a corporate plan that puts Labour pledges into council policy, a City Plan that provides a blueprint for sustainable development, and a progressive and balanced budget in difficult financial circumstances.

“Now, it is important to bring the city together – at this time of public health and economic crisis – and enable a smooth transition of administration to the largest party. The Labour Group will play our part in handing over and supporting the new Green administration get to grips with leading the council at such a difficult time.

“We must now build on that work to create a fairer city with a sustainable future, and continue to serve our residents, from opposition; by holding the new administration to account and working cooperatively and constructively with them.”