In defence of local democracy

The Liberal Democrat Group has today (Tuesday 5th May) ended its coalition with the Labour Party on Canterbury City Council.

This follows unacceptable demands from the Labour Party leadership over the operation of the planning committee including a requirement that councillors would either abstain or not vote against planning applications from the council or linked to housing sites listed in the Local Plan.

 Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Mike Sole said:

“The Labour leadership asked the Liberal Democrat Group to accept conditions that were incompatible with the proper and independent operation of the planning process.

These included removing Liberal Democrat Councillor Dan Smith as Vice-Chair of the planning committee and assurances that Liberal Democrat councillors would not vote against applications relating to sites in the Local Plan or council-led developments.

This gives us no choice but to end our involvement with the partnership running the council. Everyone has the right to expect their planning applications will be considered fairly and openly on planning policy.

Planning decisions must be taken lawfully, on their individual merits, and with an open mind.

Members of the planning committee cannot be directed how to vote, and I will never ask Liberal Democrat councillors to do anything that compromises that principle.”

Liberal Democrat members of the planning committee recently voted to defer a decision on the controversial Bodkin Farm development in Chestfield.

The Liberal Democrats formed a coalition with the Labour Party following the 2023 City Council elections which left no party with a clear majority.

Of the coalition Cllr Sole said:

“I am proud of what we have achieved in this administration. We have worked hard, worked constructively, and delivered real results for residents.

In particular, I am proud to leave the council in a strong financial position. Liberal Democrats achieved much in coalition including expanding park and ride, returning the three hour free parking for blue badge holders, introducing the residents’ parking rate, and protecting funding for parish councils. The Local Plan did not include a new town at Adisham, major development at Blean, or a new park and ride on Thanington Recreation Ground.

We will continue to support proposals that are in the best interest of Canterbury District’s residents and we will vote on all planning matters as we believe is best for Canterbury.

We will speak freely, and hold the administration to account, providing constructive opposition where necessary.”

 The leadership of the council will not change unless or until a vote of full council.

Canterbury City Council has 39 seats, currently they are distributed as follows:

Labour (18)

Liberal Democrats (8)

Conservative (8)

Green (5)

The next election is scheduled for May 2027, although these may not occur due to Local government reorganisation.