Councillor Katie Thornburrow has been elected as the new Leader of Cambridge City Council following the reconvened Annual Council Meeting today and will form a minority Labour administration.

Following the recent elections Labour remains the largest party, holding more seats than any other party in the council, but they no longer hold an overall majority.

Councillor Thornburrow has pledged to work constructively and collaboratively with councillors from across the chamber in the interests of Cambridge residents.

Councillor Katie Thornburrow said: "I am honoured to serve as Leader of Cambridge City Council.

"Residents expect 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.

"That means we will need to work constructively with colleagues from across the council to deliver for residents and find common ground where we can. 

"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."

Councillor Naomi Bennett, Leader of the Green group, said: "Greens secured more votes than any other party at the election but have not been able to secure the Leadership of the Council, despite intensive negotiations in good faith.

"Although we could not agree a power sharing arrangement, we did reach agreement on the key issues affecting the city: Local Government Reorganisation, the proposed development corporation and cost of living are the key issues facing our residents. 

"We are hoping for a more collaborative and consensual way of conducting council business in future."

Councillor Tim Bick, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: "Failing any agreement from other parties for an administration which better reflects the current make-up of the whole council, this arrangement provides the scope for all parties to exert an influence.

"In making this possible today, the Liberal Democrats have focused on getting agreement on issues of importance to residents. This includes improvements to street cleaning, anti-social behaviour prevention, and re-opening public toilets that we have campaigned for."

Further announcements regarding Cabinet appointments, portfolio responsibilities and committee positions will be published on the Cambridge City Council website in due course.

A minority administration was made possible by the abstention of the Liberal Democrats on the vote for Leader of the Council.

As a result of that decision the following actions will be taken forward:

• At a meeting on 7 July, the Cabinet will consider a report in support of the objectives of a budget amendment to implement Liberal Democrat proposals on reopening Parker’s Piece and Quayside toilets, and the resourcing of council delivery of street cleaning, and public realm enforcement, which would be implemented at the earliest possible opportunity in the current financial year. 
• In the interim, steps will be taken to hire additional staff on a temporary basis to increase street cleansing and public realm enforcement in the city centre during the busy summer months.

In addition, the Labour minority administration will:

• Bring forward options for improved controls and management of the concentration of smaller and larger HMOs and short-term visitor accommodation, including practical scope for improved regulation of standards, and developing the case for Article 4 Directives in relation to small HMOs with sufficient time, where necessary, for the Reg 19 version of the Local Plan to reflect an agreed approach.
• Bring forward a report, and proposals following a public consultation, on a potential citywide Public Spaces Protection Order to enhance Police powers in relation to anti-social driving, as is being adopted by East Cambridgeshire District Council.
• 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.