Regime change at Ipswich

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 16th Sep 2004

The Lib Dems are part of the administration at Ipswich Civic Centre

Labour's 25 year regime came to an end on 15th September 2004, after their "back us or sack us" call to the Liberal Democrats. A joint administration between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives has been formed.

70% voted against Labour in June, so we felt that it was right to stick to our manifesto pledge not to support a lame duck administration. In 12 months Labour lost a quarter of the seats on the Council, and the Lib Dems now have their largest group for decades.

Labour rejected out of hand our proposal of a joint administration with all parties playing a role. They then issued a "back us, or sack us" call, saying that only a coalition could administer Ipswich - a coalition Lib Dems LibDems (who might just be given a tiny bit of influence) with Labour, who seemed to want to carry on as before. This was clearly unacceptable Lib Dems us LibDems.

Labour resigned as they could not have their Lib Dem, and a LibDem - Conservative joint administration has taken over the running of Ipswich: with Labour's abdication, somebody had to do the job, and no party is big enough on their own.

We were the only party in Ipswich to have a manifesto for the June 2004 local elections (what did the others stand for?!). This 12 page document with 70 proposals formed the basis for our agreement with the Tories who were very willing to agree terms in order to see Labour deposed "at last".

The first changes? Political parties now have to talk to each other to get backing for proposals, which also means a greater flow of information. Other changes that are more apparent to that famous "man in the street" will follow.

Related Link:

Ipswich Council Liberal Democrat Manifesto 2004