Coalition will end 'glitz'

The new council says it will focus on core services in the city

The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives say they are going to reduce "hype and glitz" in the newly-formed Leicester City Council.

Earlier this month the local elections left the city council with no party in overall control.

Now an alliance between the two parties has ended the 24 years of Labour rule in the city.

The change will mean the current leader of the council Ross Willmott will have to stand down.

Roger Blackmore, the leader of the Liberal Democrats and the new council leader elect says change was needed.

'Listening' council

"In Leicester, there was a clear mandate for change after the election, as Labour only had a mere 23 seats of 54.

"It was clear that the people of Leicester had voted for change.

Labour had been in power for 24 years - since May 1979 - the year that Margaret Thatcher took power

Roger Blackmore
Leader elect, Leicester City Council

Conservative leader Roman Sculpak, deputy leader elect of council, said: "There will be less hype and less glitz and more concentration on the delivery of core services.

"Labour has been more concerned with spin and basic services have degenerated considerably."

Asked about the coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Tories, Mr Blackmore said: "Having served in opposition together, there are a number of things we strongly agree on.

"We need better front line services, and we plan to review all council finances and we intend to be much more of a 'listening' council.

"Labour had been in power for 24 years - since May 1979 - the year that Margaret Thatcher took power - and it was time for a change."