It is worth noting that now three Residents for Uttlesford Councillors have defected to Reform UK, that Uttlesford District Council is in a state of No Overall Control. This is the most significant moment in Uttlesford politics since 2011, when Residents for Uttlesford won its first County Seat. This means effectively that R4U could struggle to pass policy for the remainder of its term, leaving the Council in a state of limbo for the remainder of the lifetime of the Council.  

To avoid Uttlesford becoming a zombie Council, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform, and independents could come to terms to work together in some way, on key areas, to ensure that policies and decisions can be made going forward, putting residents first, and ensuring that services are maintained. This, of course, would take a grown-up attitude towards management of the Council, some bravery, and negotiation due to the differences between those groups, but equally, if nothing is done, Uttlesford residents will lose out due to a lack of stability at the Council, as the administration group continues to fall apart. I’d also urge those R4U members who were once Liberal Democrats, Labour, and Conservatives to return to their natural political homes to help a new administration form at the Council. This would be the right thing to do for residents.

I believe a coalition Council administration led by Cllr Ray Gooding, to steward the Council during the rough period of local Government reorganisation, would be the best way forward for Uttlesford. Cllr Gooding has the experience, temperament, and leadership skills to be able to deliver that for residents. He’s also fair and balanced in his approach, and this will be an asset to the Council moving forward. I’d urge all Councillors to step up and back a new administration of some form in the coming weeks. We cannot be left in limbo without a sensible administration to run the Council.