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Independents and Labour vow to work together
THE Independent and Labour groups at Carmarthenshire County Council are to form a coalition.
The parties today agreed to continue to work together in administration.
It follows talks between the groups in the wake of Thursday's election results.
Trimsaran member Meryl Gravell will remain as Council Leader and new Labour Leader Kevin Madge will become Deputy Leader.
The Executive Board will be made up of seven Independents and three Labour members.
Portfolios will include regeneration, technical services, health and social care, education, housing and resources.
The division of roles is aimed at reflecting last week's election results, where the Independents won 30 seats.
Liberal Democrat Ken Rees has agreed to work with the group, taking the total number of seats up to 31. Labour won 11 seats.
The Plaid Cymru group will be offered the chairs of the high profile housing and social justice scrutiny committees, and the vice chair of education and children's services.
Cllr Madge said: "We are very pleased to be continuing our partnership with the Independent group.
"It is disappointing that national politics have had an impact on the situation in Carmarthenshire. We have always been a very strong group and we will continue to work together to deliver and improve everyday services such as recycling, education and transport.
"We are pleased that we have such a strong platform to build on and we look forward to the challenges ahead."
1:46pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Evans on 7:21pm Wed 7 May 08
Why bother voting,Labour loose 15 seats and
still remain in power.
Why bother voting,Labour loose 15 seats and
still remain in power.
Posted by: Louise, Ammanford on 12:00pm Fri 9 May 08
I guess thats what stands for democracy in Carmarthenshire. Labour get a drubbing and yet still manage to cling on to power. You would think the message was very clear. The independnet - Labour coalition that has created a hugley unpopular Council administration who, amongst other things are plowing ahead with plans to privitise our health services.
I guess thats what stands for democracy in Carmarthenshire. Labour get a drubbing and yet still manage to cling on to power. You would think the message was very clear. The independnet - Labour coalition that has created a hugley unpopular Council administration who, amongst other things are plowing ahead with plans to privitise our health services.
Posted by: Mike on 3:42pm Fri 9 May 08
Do the Independents and Labour groups not even have the decency to listen to the electorate? The indpendents stood still at this election whilst the labour group lost half their seats. Many more scrapped back in with massivly reduced margins. Does that not tell them anything about their popularity!
What is Kevin Madge talking about "strong platform?" Being dictated to by Meryl Gravell!
Do the Independents and Labour groups not even have the decency to listen to the electorate? The indpendents stood still at this election whilst the labour group lost half their seats. Many more scrapped back in with massivly reduced margins. Does that not tell them anything about their popularity!
What is Kevin Madge talking about "strong platform?" Being dictated to by Meryl Gravell!
Posted by: Jacqui Thompson, Llanwrda on 4:35pm Fri 9 May 08
So the unelected junta led by Mark James has managed to keep hold of the loyal followers who appear to agree to his every whim. The old order has been preserved and things can carry on nicely as before. Voting was clearly a waste of time for those dissatisfied with the current administration, it's a shame it wasn't the senior officers up for election. I hope councillors recognise and respect the attempted vote for change and listen to and speak up for people of Carmarthenshire.
So the unelected junta led by Mark James has managed to keep hold of the loyal followers who appear to agree to his every whim. The old order has been preserved and things can carry on nicely as before. Voting was clearly a waste of time for those dissatisfied with the current administration, it's a shame it wasn't the senior officers up for election. I hope councillors recognise and respect the attempted vote for change and listen to and speak up for people of Carmarthenshire.
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