Outgoing & Incoming Council Leaders Speak After Power Shift

The new and outgoing leaders of Harborough District Council have spoken to HFM after control of the authority changed hands.

The Conservatives seized power after a motion to remove Liberal Democrat leader Phil Knowles was passed by a single vote at an extraordinary meeting last night.

Councillor Knowles had led a 16-strong coalition of Liberal Democrat, Labour, Green and independent councillors since 2023 on the finely balanced authority.

Conservative group leader Simon Whelband has now taken over as council leader:

Councillor Knowles (left) has been replaced as council leader by Councillor Whelband (right)

The meeting began with a minute’s silence and tributes to Labour Lutterworth East councillor David Gair, a member of the coalition, who died last week.

Following a debate, the Conservatives won the vote to remove Cllr Knowles by 17 votes to 16.

The Conservatives said it was right they should run the authority as the largest single party, arguing the coalition could no longer command an effective majority following by-election changes last year.

Ousted leader Phil Knowles said he is proud of what his administration achieved and believes there will now be pressure on the Conservatives to deliver: