Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee has banned its councillors from forming alliances with the Greens, resulting in the party doing a deal with the Tories to remain in power at a west London local authority.
Seven London councils - Brent, Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Wandsworth, Lambeth and Southwark - fell from Labour to no overall control at the local elections on May 7, meaning minority administrations and coalitions now need to be formed.
Brent Labour has now teamed up with the Tories to retain leadership of the town hall.
Members are understood to have written to the NEC after falling three seats short of forming a majority and being told not to work with the nine Green councillors who won seats.
“The council is now formally in No Overall Control, although I am pleased that Labour has been able to form a minority administration,” the letter from Labour deputy group leader on Brent Council Gwen Grahl states.
“This was made far more difficult however by a ruling from Labour's NEC banning us from entering into a formal or informal agreement with the Green Party to form a minority administration.
“When the local Liberal Democrat Group refused to work with Labour, this effectively forced us to recognise the Conservative Group as the official opposition and allow them non-executive positions on the Scrutiny Committee, in order to form an administration.
“I urge the NEC to reverse any ruling that prevents Labour Groups in No Overall Control authorities from entering into discussions with the Green Party.
“Those who voted Green in Brent were often former Labour voters who wanted to see stronger action on inequality, housing, public services and social justice.
“Refusing to even engage with the Greens risks reinforcing the perception that Labour is unwilling to work constructively with parts of the progressive electorate we urgently need to win back.”
It comes after a bitter local election campaign saw the Labour leadership highlight alleged antisemitism among a number of Green candidates.
Labour sources suggested the that the party was concerned about the reputational risk of working with Green Party councillors.
Brent Green Group Leader, Mary Mitchell, said: “Brent residents voted clearly for change on May 7th. After losing twenty-four seats and control of the Council, Labour had a choice: embrace a new era of collaboration and accountability, or cling to the status quo. Instead, they’ve chosen to cling to power through a deal with the Conservatives.
“It didn't have to be like this. The Green Party was ready to come to the table, do the hard work of negotiation and collaboration, and build a formal arrangement that included the need for new leadership. Instead, Labour has chosen to ignore the progressive values of its supporters and have prioritised protecting party power.
“This stitch-up delivers no meaningful reform for residents. It is old-party politics at its worst, and deeply disappointing for everyone who voted for change. We remain ready to work with anyone committed to transparency, collaboration and putting Brent residents before party interests.”
