Labour are back in power in Calderdale – albeit as a minority administration.

They were ousted last year when the Conservatives, backed by the Lib Dems and Independent vote, took control of the authority.

At the time the Conservatives cited Labour’s determination to press ahead with unpopular decisions as a reason and opposition councillors united for a vote of no confidence in Labour.

But after May’s local elections left the authority with no overall control, with Labour having 24 councillors; 21 Conservatives; five Lib Dems and one independent, a new system was agreed at Halifax Town Hall..

Labour councillor Tim Swift is Leader and Clr Barry Collins Deputy Leader.

The new Cabinet is all Labour and is as follows:

  • Clr Bob Metcalfe – Adults, Health and Social Care;
  • Clr Megan Swift – Children and Young People’s Services;
  • Clr Steve Sweeney – Communities;
  • Clr Barry Collins – Regeneration and Economic Development;
  • Clr Bryan Smith – Business Improvement and Resources;
  • Clr Simon Young – Public Health, Wellbeing and Engagement;
  • Clr Jenny Lynn – Skills and Environment.

Earlier this week Clr Swift, promised major changes if he was elected leader.

He is proposing an all-party investment committee which will make recommendations to Cabinet and Council on major economic and capital investments.

But Calderdale Council’s Lib Dem Group has not supported either the Conservative or Labour groups’ nominations for Leader of the Council. Their Leader, Clr Janet Battye said: “We have not done a deal with either group, and have not even tried to.

“We will support or oppose any decisions that are made purely on their merits and whether we believe these to be in the best interests of the people of Calderdale. Our priorities in opposition will be to push for the policies democratically determined by our local grass roots members and included in our manifesto for Calderdale.

“These include sorting out the mess of the Highways Department, reforming the council so local residents have a real say in decision making and ensuring the council is run efficiently to mitigate the impact of increased cuts a majority Conservative government is likely to impose.”