Broadland Green, Jan Davis, rules out working with Tories

A rainbow alliance of Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green councillors now appears to be the most likely scenario, after the Tory benches were seriously dented at last week’s election. 

While Broadland’s Conservative group is still the largest and has the first chance to form an administration, no other group is willing to work with them.

Jan Davis, leader of the Green group, said: “The electorate has spoken, and they are saying we need a change. 

“So, we should build on what has been said in the election and consider a form of agreement or alliance with the Liberal Democrats and Labour. We would never have an alliance with the Tories.” 

Jan Davis (Image: Archant)

The Green group, which has four members, could have acted in a ‘kingmaker’ role, supporting either the Conservatives or a Lib Dem and Labour alliance, to bring either group up to the necessary 24 seats for a majority. 

Mr Davis said he has had a good working relationship with Sue Holland, leader of the Lib Dems and Natasha Harpley, who is currently the de facto leader of the Labour group. 

He said: “They have to work out what they want from an alliance, we have areas we would like to progress and issues that can’t accept but we can meet more than halfway to form a working alliance to take the district forward.” 

Mr Davis added that time is ticking and discussions would have to happen soon. 

Broadland District Council office

Both Ms Holland and Ms Harpley have already expressed an interest in forming an alliance. 

If the Tories did try to form an administration, without the support of another group they are unlikely to have the votes to get policies through.