Ipswich set for political upheaval
MORE than 25 years of Labour rule at Civic Centre in Ipswich is set to come to an end next Wednesday, the Evening Star can reveal today.The Labour group, which has operated as a minority administration since June's election, is set to issue a "back us or sack us" challenge to the Liberal Democrats.
MORE than 25 years of Labour rule at Civic Centre in Ipswich is set to come to an end next Wednesday, the Evening Star can reveal today.
The Labour group, which has operated as a minority administration since June's election, is set to issue a "back us or sack us" challenge to the Liberal Democrats.
It seems unlikely that the seven-member Lib Dem group will join them in a coalition – so Labour councillors will resign from the council's executive committee.
Deputy Labour leader David Ellesmere said a motion calling on the Lib Dems to join his party in a coalition had been put on the agenda of the council meeting.
"We are seeking the support of the Liberal Democrats. If they don't want to join us in a joint administration, we will regard this as a matter of confidence and resign as an administration.
"That would give the Tories and Liberal Democrats a free run to try to form their own administration in the town."
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Mr Ellesmere said the current stalemate had to be brought to an end. "This situation cannot continue, especially as the budget process starts."
Labour currently has 23 seats, Conservatives 17 and Liberal Democrats seven. One seat is currently unoccupied because of the suspension of former Tory group leader Stephen Barker.
