THE balance of power at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is still uncertain this afternoon – with ‘kingmaker’ Liberal Democrats yet to decide whether they are to back another party for a coalition.The Conservative Party lost its majority at local elections last Thursday – but say they have yet to have ‘substantial’ discussions with the Lib Dems or Labour.
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Like the national picture, the Lib Dems could play a major role in the shape of the ruling administration on the authority after the Tories lost two seats.
There are now 23 Conservatives, 18 Lib Dems, seven Labour, one Green and two independent on the council. A majority administration would need 26 seats.
The Lib Dems and Labour have been in discussions this week. Though they would have 25 seats, independent councillor Howard Allen said he would back the Lib Dems in power.
Deputy Tory group leader Cllr Robert Sleigh told The Silhillian: “At this point in time we have had nothing substantial at all from either of the parties.”
He said: “We have to explore all the possibilities. We made an offer on the night of the elections. Our door remains open.”
An administration must be formed by the full meeting of the council on Tuesday May 25, he said.
Lib Dem group leader Cllr Ian Hedley said: “We are still talking. There has been no decision. We are talking to the other parties.”
He said: “I have a feel for it but it is too early to say. We will know more after the weekend.”
Labour group leader Cllr Mick Corser said: “We are talking with the Lib Dems at the moment but whether anything will come of it, I need to go back to my group.”
Meanwhile, re-election Solihull Lib Dem MP Lorely Burt has defended the national coalition with the Tories, The Solihull News reports.
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