Labour holds power in Cambridge because of Lib Dems say Greens

This is a statement from the Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire Green Party

The Green group on Cambridge city council has confirmed that it will not be entering a proposed rainbow coalition with Labour or the Liberal Democrats. Instead, it put forward and voted for its deputy leader Sefira Davison to lead the city council.

Sadly the Lib Dems chose to abstain on the vote, lending their tacit support to enable a continuation of the Labour run administration, rather than agreeing to collaborate with Green councillors to bring about the change that residents voted for.

Despite constructive efforts from the Green group, the demands put forward by the Lib Dems made a stable, collaborative agreement impossible.

For all their rhetoric of progressive collaborations, the Lib Dems failed to take our Green Group seriously, and instead demanded to take the leadership as well as finance, housing development & planning cabinet roles and rejected any discussion of compromise on this.

They speak publicly about collaboration and cooperation, but behind closed doors there is little to choose from between Lib Dems and Labour. Both seem to have failed to grasp the reality of residents’ increasing trust in Green councillors to deliver for their city.

Over recent years, Cambridge has seen the consequences of one‑party dominance and stitched‑up deals: poor transparency, weak opposition, lack of scrutiny, and decisions that have too often sidelined residents, from planning, to green space protection, to the future of public services.

Voters sent a clear message at the ballot box: they want change, independent voices, and real accountability.

Greens won the popular vote on Thursday 7 May with 33% of votes across Cambridge, but due to the current council model with elections happening in thirds, Greens did not win control of the council.

Sefira Davison, city Green croup deputy leader, said:

We heard from the Lib Dems today that Labour being in power wasn’t what they wanted, but it’s what they chose.

We’ve spent weeks offering fair, reasonable compromises, including a proportionate split of cabinet posts and balanced leadership arrangements, and they told us they wouldn’t accept any offer that didn’t give them immediate leadership of the council.

We look forward to holding this new Lib Dem-enabled Labour administration to account, and making sure the council delivers the best results for the city.

Naomi Bennett, Green group leader, said:

On housing, development, transport, climate action, inequality, and democratic reform, the Greens have consistently taken strong, principled positions.

My Green colleagues and I will spend this year working hard for residents across our city, and challenging Labour and the Lib Dems in the council chamber, and when the time comes for the next election, we will continue to challenge them at the polls and we will win.

Our priority is the people of Cambridge. We will work to ensure that council services run more smoothly, that marginalised voices are heard, and that communities across the city are supported.

As the official opposition, we will bring strong scrutiny, practical solutions, and a renewed commitment to democracy at the Guildhall, based on honesty, evidence, transparency, and genuine public involvement.

Featured image via Cambridge & South Cambridgeshire Green Party