Lib Dem-Labour deal to run South Gloucestershire Council

at the elections, said: "We are disappointed that Labour and the Liberal Democrats have chosen to exclude the largest party from all discussions on how to run the council."

Ian Boulton and Claire Young announce their parties' deal to share power on South Gloucestershire Council.

Cllr Young said voters had clearly "had enough of the Conservatives", while Cllr Boulton said voters were "holding the Conservative party to account for the disastrous policies they have imposed on us — both locally and nationally".

Labour group it was apparent we had many shared goals to improve the lives of local people.

"We want to take the council in a different direction, working with local people to make South Gloucestershire a better place for everyone.

Cllr Boulton, who represents Staple Hill & Mangotsfield, said: "This is a brilliant opportunity to put forward a new vision for South Gloucestershire.

"We’re aware of the budgetary challenges at the moment, with the Conservative government failing to fund local authorities properly.

"That can change at next year’s general election."

Cllr Boulton took over as Labour group leader following the retirement of predecessor Pat Rooney at the elections.

Cabinet members for the new administration were due to be announced following the council's annual meeting on May 24, when the new leadership was being confirmed in a vote.

The council's new

Conservative group leader Sam Bromiley, who represents Parkwall & Warmley ward, criticised the other parties for not involving his group in discussions on the future leadership of the authority.

The former cabinet member for children and young people, who took over as Tory group leader after former council leader Toby Savage stood down

Outgoing Tory leader Toby Savage said that despite a "disappointing evening", his party did better locally than on a national level, where it lost more than 1,000 seats, which "suggests that South Gloucestershire Conservatives are outperforming the Conservatives nationally”.

Election round-up: Pages 4&5