THE LEADER of Coventry City Council (CCC) is expected to stay in the role after he was re-elected as head of the council’s Labour Group.
Coun George Duggins was said to be considering his future after his party lost 17 seats in this month’s local elections.
But he was re-elected as Labour Group leader by his colleagues on Tuesday (May 19).
Labour is set to retain leadership of CCC at its annual general meeting on Thursday (May 21).
Although Labour – which has had a controlling majority at the council since 2010 – is the largest group with 24 seats, no party has overall control at the council. Reform has 20 seats, the Conservatives six and the Greens four.
No cross-party deals to achieve an overall majority have been announced.
Coun Duggins is the longest-serving leader in the council’s history, having led it since 2016.
He said: “We’re looking forward to getting back to work serving our city.
“From investing more in the fight against potholes and fly-tipping, to the ‘Outstanding’ rating just awarded to Children’s Services by Ofsted, to improved green spaces and better housing for homeless local families, we’re leading the way to a better future for Coventry.”
Former group and council deputy leader Coun Abdul Khan has quit his role after the national Labour Party blocked him from challenging for the leadership.
He has been replaced by former cabinet member Coun Lynnette Kelly, a former Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands who has represented Henley, Sherbourne, and Earlsdon wards during her time at CCC.
Coun Kelly said: “It’s an honour to become the City Council’s new deputy leader. I want to thank Abdul for his service to our city and I look forward to bringing fresh ideas and new energy to the Cabinet.”
