Following today’s council meeting, Cambridge Labour Party welcomes the formation of a new Labour administration to lead Cambridge City Council, with Councillor Katie Thornburrow elected as Council Leader.
Labour remains the largest party on the council with 17 seats following the local elections on May 7 but no longer holds an overall majority. Labour will therefore operate as a minority administration and will work constructively and collaboratively with councillors from across the chamber in the interests of the residents of Cambridge.
Acknowledging that the local election results have shifted the political landscape, Cllr Thornburrow emphasised that the new minority administration will champion a collaborative approach to local governance, with cross-party consultation, transparency, and a focus on delivering on key community priorities to reflect the city’s evolving political landscape.
Ways of Working
To ensure a more inclusive decision-making process, Cllr Thornburrow announced two major structural initiatives aimed at increasing transparency within the council:
- Regular leaders’ meetings: establishing a recurring forum for opposition group leaders to consult directly with the administration.
- Cross-party finance working group: convening a joint financial panel to oversee how the council budget is developed and managed throughout the year, ensuring the process remains open, scrutinized, and transparent.
“The new ways of working we are introducing reflect how I personally want to lead, but they are also deeply rooted in the constructive, extensive conversations we have had with representatives from both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party,” said Cllr Thornburrow. “I look forward to working closely with the other group leaders and all elected members across the chamber. Representatives from all opposition groups, including Your Party and the Conservatives, have a vital and active role to play in the future success of Cambridge.”
Key Agreements and Community Priorities
As part of the cooperative arrangements enabling the new administration, Cambridge Labour acknowledges the support of the Liberal Democrat group and has committed to reviewing proposals from the Liberal Democrats which focus on public toilets and public realm enforcement, by identifying savings from elsewhere in the budget.
Additionally, they have confirmed a shared commitment to better regulation of HMOs by bringing forward options for controls on the concentration of smaller HMOs and short-term visitor accommodation; to assess proposals on a potential citywide Public Spaces Protection Order to enhance police powers in relation to anti-social driving; and prepare a report to determine the council’s response to Equalities Act guidance in relation to public toilet access, seeking to protect the rights of the trans community within a non-threatening environment for all users.
Although constructive discussions were held with the Green Group, they maintained their position that Greens would oppose any Labour leadership of the Council, and therefore requested no commitments that could be reflected in an agreement.
Bringing Cambridge together
Cllr Thornburrow said: “I am honoured to have been elected as Leader of Cambridge City Council and I will work to ensure that the City Council is able to operate effectively and deliver the services and policies our residents expect. People want us to focus on the issues that matter most to them – delivering good quality housing, protecting vital local services, supporting communities through the cost-of-living crisis, and ensuring Cambridge grows sustainably and fairly. I believe I can work with the other parties to find common ground around these fundamental issues, and continue our efforts to deal with the climate and biodiversity crises.”
“At the same time we have to manage the anticipated transition to a unitary authority and I await details of the Government’s plans so we can get to work. And we have to deliver our Local Plan in collaboration with South Cambs District Council. I know that councillors on all sides appreciate the importance of these issues and I will be consulting the other parties to find a common approach. Our collaborative approach is summed up in our agreement to consider the additional proposals from the Liberal Democrats. These are proposals close to my heart, and to many across the chamber, and I look forward to working on them together.”
“Cambridge faces significant challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, and I am committed to providing stable, collaborative leadership focused on achieving the best outcomes for our city.”
Cllr Thornburrow has been a councillor since 2018 and has represented Petersfield ward since 2021. She most recently served as Cabinet member for Planning and Transport.
Further announcements regarding Cabinet appointments, portfolio responsibilities and committee positions will be published on the Cambridge City Council website in due course.
The Cambridge Labour Party extends its heartfelt thanks to all outgoing councillors for their dedicated public service, particularly former Group Leader Cameron Holloway, and former councillors Anna Smith, and Simon Smith. The party also extends a warm welcome to the newly elected councillors joining the council.
We would like to thank council staff, the monitoring officer, and election teams for their professionalism and effectiveness during the election process and the subsequent council meetings.