Wealden’s two Labour councillors have joined the Lib Dem and Green alliance, giving it a slender majority for the first time since it was formed last year.
The Alliance for Wealden was formed by the Lib Dems and Greens, who both won 11 seats on Wealden District Council in the May 2023 elections.
This week, Daniel Manvell and Ben Cox joined the alliance, meaning it now has 24 out of the 45 members. The others seats are held by the Conservatives (who have ten seats), the Independent Group (seven) and the Independent Democrats (four).
Councillor Manvell will also be joining the cabinet and further details of his appointment will be announced soon.
In a joint statement, Wealden District Council leader Councillor Rachel Millward (Green, Hartfield), and deputy leader Councillor James Partridge (Liberal Democrat, Crowborough North), said: “We are delighted that Dan and Ben have joined the Alliance in our collaborative effort to make Wealden greener, fairer and kinder.
“As young, working people, they will bring huge energy and a different insight into the opportunities and the challenges our towns and villages face.
“Dan and Ben have supported our efforts to invest millions of pounds in new sports and leisure facilities, and to increase council tax specifically on unnecessary empty homes and second homes in Wealden.
“With their support, we will continue to deliver better public services for all Wealden residents.”
Labour group leader Daniel Manvell said: “We have been impressed by the Alliance’s work to quickly develop a new Local Plan, robustly challenge Southern and South East Water on their performance, and, with our support, stop Uckfield Leisure Centre from closing.
“We were elected as the first ever Labour councillors in Wealden history because local residents badly wanted change from the Conservatives, and we look forward to helping to deliver this change.
“It will also be a privilege to become one of the youngest cabinet members in the country.”
