By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Gloucester City Council has been without a leader for six weeks with no sign of a replacement.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) was removed from the post after losing a vote of no confidence by 21 votes to 18 on September 24.
The move put forward by the Community Independents was supported by the Conservative and Labour groups while the Lib Dems and Independent Conservative Lorraine Campbell (Tuffley) backed Cllr Hilton.
However, the motion’s success led to the resignation en masse of the Lib Dem cabinet and the authority has been leaderless ever since.
The opposition has not put forward an alternative nomination for leader and they would rather see another Lib Dem take the helm. However, Lib Dem councillors support Cllr Hilton as their leader.
Officers say the council continues to operate as normal with support for residents and businesses continuing as usual despite the absence of a leader.
The temporary absence of a leader and cabinet does not prevent the council from continuing its day-to-day work. And managing director Jon McGinty also has delegated authority to take any urgent executive decisions.
But councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate) is calling on group leaders to work together to establish a stable and effective leadership as soon as possible.
“At a time when the council faces significant financial pressures, it is essential that we have effective decision-making, political oversight and a shared commitment to securing the council’s future,” she said.
“Gloucester needs leadership and clear political direction and it can’t just be for officers of the council continually calling the shots.
“I therefore appeal to all of the current group leaders on Gloucester City Council to work constructively across party lines to establish stable and effective leadership as quickly as possible, so that we can focus on the challenges facing our city and to ensure that residents have a council that is fully equipped to serve them effectively”.
Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said group leaders are meeting the managing director weekly while he uses emergency powers to take decisions, with matters reserved to full council remaining for councillors to decide.
But she believes consultation is not a substitute for elected political leadership.
“With major decisions ahead on the airport sale, scaling back the corporate plan and preparing a workable budget, this leadership vacuum needs to end,” she said.
She said her group is clear “whoever leads Gloucester must put openness and accountability first”.
“We are talking constructively with other parties and hope to agree on a way forward very soon.
“But we will not support Cllr Hilton returning as leader. The council democratically voted him out, and the rest of his cabinet then chose to walk away.
“We are willing to work together with all parties on a fresh start.
“But we are certain Gloucester needs to move forwards, not backwards.”
Community Independents group leader Alastair Chambers (Matson, Robinswood and White City) claims several Lib Dems have asked whether they would receive opposition support if they decide to replace Cllr Hilton.
“Several options have been discussed, and we are awaiting feedback on what is achievable,” he said.
“My position is clear: any support must be about meaningful change, restoring confidence and putting Gloucester residents first.”
The Liberal Democrat and Labour groups have declined to comment.
The political composition of the council is 17 Lib Dems, ten Conservatives, seven Labour councillors, four Community Independents and one Independent Conservative.