Labour loses council control after resignations

Labour captured Rushmoor District Council for the first time in 50 years following 2024's local elections

Labour has lost control of a council after four of its councillors resigned.

It leaves them as the largest party on Rushmoor Borough Council in Hampshire with 16 seats but without an overall majority.

The four councillors said they were "unable to reconcile the policies, decisions and approach" of the Labour government, but would continue to support the local party's administration of the council.

Council leader Gareth Williams described their exit from the party as "disappointing". Labour won control of Rushmoor for the first time in 50 years following the local elections in 2024.

In a statement, councillors Jules Crossley, Halleh Koohestani, Nadia Martin and Becky Williams said they were forming the Rushmoor Independent Group following an "increasingly difficult year" for Labour since last year's general election.

Ms Crossley, Aldershot Park ward councillor and Independent Group leader, said: "We have lost faith in the government's ability to act in the best interest of our residents.

"There have been a series of policy changes, some ill-thought out and others badly delivered, which we believe are detrimental to the individuals, organisations and communities we represent."

The councillors stressed they were leaving over "national and international issues" and would continue to support the local administration.

Responding to the resignations, Mr Williams said: "It is disappointing that these councillors have decided to leave Labour part way through their term as it is not what local people voted for.

"We have made real progress in a year since taking over the council and will continue in our mission to make a real difference in our community."

The authority will cease to exist following the planned restructuring of local government in 2027/28.

Before the resignations, Labour had 20 seats, the Conservatives had 14, the Liberal Democrats had three and there were two independents.