Luton Council's Labour leader ousted in no confidence vote as Lib Dems take control
Councillor Amjid Ali elected as new leader after nearly 20 years of Labour rule
The Labour leader of Luton Council has been removed from her role after losing a vote of no confidence.
Councillor Tahmina Saleem was ousted at an extraordinary meeting of the local authority on 14th September, with the vote passing 26 to 21 and one abstention.
The result brings an end to nearly 20 years of Labour administration in the town.
New leader elected
Liberal Democrat councillor Amjid Ali, who represents Barnfield Ward, has been elected as the new Leader of Luton Council.
First elected in 2019, he is the leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and has previously chaired the council's Overview and Scrutiny Board and the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee.
The new administration is made up of councillors from the Liberal Democrat, Independent Alliance and Conservative groups.
Labour's 21 remaining councillors were defeated by a combination of 13 Liberal Democrats, seven Independent Alliance Group, three Conservatives, two non-aligned Independents and one Reform UK councillor.
The Labour Group will now become the authority's official opposition.
Reaction
Councillor Ali said: "I am both honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity and I fully recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it. Our absolute commitment will be to the people of Luton. My immediate priority will be to ensure stability and a renewed sense of purpose to the council, with a clear focus on the issues and priorities that matter most to our town.
"Residents can be assured that the council continues to be here to provide the services they rely on every day. I look forward to working with councillors and council staff to make sure those services are delivered to a high standard, problems are dealt with and we stay focused on what matters most to the people of Luton.
"I want residents to see a council that listens, is visible and approachable, and is honest about the challenges it faces. We won't always have all the answers, but we will always be prepared to listen, explain our decisions and work hard to make things better for our town and those who live and work here."
Councillor Saleem said: "Tonight's vote is deeply disappointing. I want to thank the councillors and residents who've reached out over the past couple of weeks to show their support for our Labour Group."
She said: "My Labour group will now hold the new administration to account for the decisions it takes and the impact they have on people across Luton."
Councillor Ali will confirm the new Cabinet and portfolio responsibilities in the coming days.