Conservatives Seize Control Of Harborough District Council

The Conservatives have taken control of Harborough District Council following a closely fought vote at an extraordinary meeting.

A motion to remove Liberal Democrat leader Phil Knowles and replace him with Conservative group leader Simon Whelband was approved by 17 votes to 16.

Councillor Knowles had led a coalition of Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green and independent members since 2023.

The group had 16 councillors, but that number fell to 15 last week following the death of Labour councillor David Gair, who represented Lutterworth.

Cllr Simon Whelband speaking at tonight’s extraordinary meeting

The Conservatives, the largest single party on the authority with 16 members, argued the coalition no longer had an effective majority.

They secured victory at tonight’s meeting with support from Independent councillor Mark Graves, while Reform UK councillor Jonny Austin voted against the motion.

The meeting began with a minute’s silence and tributes to Cllr Gair.

Councillor Knowles described the move as a “power grab”, and some coalition members criticised the decision not to postpone the meeting following Councillor Gair’s death.

Councillor Knowles and former cabinet members also spoke of their pride in what the coalition had achieved through cross-party working.

The Conservatives will now run the council under the leadership of Councillor Whelband and are expected to appoint a new cabinet in due course.

Councillor Whelband thanked the outgoing administration for its work.

Cllr Phil Knowles addressed the meeting

Outgoing & Incoming Council Leaders Speak After Power Shift