Tag Archives: southwark

For 16 years, Southwark Liberal Democrats have stood up for residents and held Labour to account. In May, voters sent a clear message: Southwark needed change.

The election ended Labour’s majority and left the council in No Overall Control. That presented us with a choice. We could stand aside, prop up a tired and failed administration, or work with others to deliver the change residents had voted for.

We chose change.

For the first time in 16 years, Liberal Democrats have returned to administration in Southwark through a Joint Administration with the Southwark Green Party.

Many Liberal Democrats will understandably have questions about working with the Green Party. Recent events elsewhere in London have highlighted serious concerns around antisemitism among some Green Party members and councillors. Those concerns were among the very first issues we addressed.

We made clear that there can be no tolerance for antisemitism or any form of racism. We sought assurances from the Southwark Green Party, which is distinct from some of the problems seen elsewhere, and together we have committed to tackling antisemitism and all forms of hatred. These principles will underpin our programme for the borough.

Most importantly, this agreement gives us the opportunity to put Liberal Democrat values into practice in the heart of London.

Together, we have set out seven priorities: making Southwark more affordable; taking serious action on climate change; tackling the housing crisis; creating safer streets; cleaning up our neighbourhoods; defending Southwark from Labour’s damaging cuts; and building a council that listens and gives residents more control over decisions affecting their communities.

That final priority is perhaps the most Liberal Democrat of all.