The recent approval of Gloucester City Council’s corporate plan has laid bare the Liberal Democrats’ tenuous grip on leadership, as they had to secure backing from both Labour and Conservative councillors to get their vision across the line. The plan, which outlines the council’s strategic priorities from 2025 to 2028, was first introduced by the Lib Dem-led administration more than six months ago but only received official approval this May.
Initially unveiled last November, the corporate plan aims to “put the heart back into Gloucester” by building on previous Tory initiatives and introducing new Lib Dem policies. However, opposition pressure for more comprehensive details caused the Lib Dems to withdraw the plan from earlier meetings.
With the Liberal Democrats holding 17 seats out of 39 on the council, they depend on cooperation from other groups to pass major proposals. Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) presented the final version of the plan at the annual meeting on May 19, acknowledging the important role opposition feedback played in shaping it.
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“We conducted public consultations and received extensive input, particularly from the Labour group,” Hilton said. “Thanks to Cllr Terry Pullen, we’ve reached an agreement on a corporate plan that I’m proud to support, and with Labour’s backing, we have a majority to approve it.”
Hilton emphasized the corporate plan as a foundation for council officers to develop targeted initiatives aligned with the set priorities. “Significant progress is underway, and by the end of this council term, we hope to see real delivery for Gloucester,” he added.
Labour’s Cllr Terry Pullen (Moreland) expressed satisfaction with the evolved plan, noting his group’s influence in extending commitments citywide. “Thanks to Labour’s efforts, regeneration plans now include areas like Podsmead and Matson, and potential redevelopment projects at Colwell School and St Stephen’s Church are under consideration,” he said.
Pullen highlighted Labour’s successful push for a social housing development company and the council’s revised target increasing affordable housing on major developments from 20% to 30%. “These are vital moves to address our city’s housing needs,” he remarked.
Additionally, Labour secured provisions to ensure city events and festivals are more inclusive for local residents, addressing issues raised by last year’s Tall Ships festival. Pullen concluded, “With the plan approved, it’s crucial the Liberal Democrats focus on delivering this vision, and Labour will diligently hold them accountable.”
Conservative leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt) acknowledged her group’s detailed scrutiny and conditional support of the plan. She criticized the earlier delay caused by the Lib Dems pulling the report last minute, stressing the importance of timelier collaboration.
“We’re pleased to see civic pride emphasized and the continuation of The Forum development, a bold initiative started under our previous administration,” Chambers said. “However, vision must translate into delivery, and we will closely monitor the plan’s execution for the city’s benefit.”
The council’s current composition — 17 Liberal Democrats, 11 Conservatives, 7 Labour, and 4 Community Independents — underscores the need for coalition-building in Gloucester’s political landscape, as the Lib Dems cannot govern in isolation.