Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Independent and Reform councillors have put their differences aside to run one council jointly
Conservative Cllr Jackie Brockway (right) and Liberal Democrat Cllr Moira Westley (left) lead West Lindsey District Council(Image: West Lindsey District Council)
A unique coalition of politicians from across the spectrum say their cross-party approach is paying dividends.
West Lindsey District Council is run by a group of Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Independent and Reform councillors.
The previous leader and deputy leader were ousted last year as nearly all members took part in a cross-party revolt.
Councillor Jackie Brockway, a Conservative, has been chosen to continue leading the coalition for another year, with Liberal Democrat Councillor Moira Westley as her deputy.
“It’s been nearly ten months now, and we’re still going strong,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“We’ve got the whole spectrum of opinion, from left to right, working well together and coming up with ideas.
“There is always going to be a difference of opinions, but we talk it through in an adult way.
“It has led to a much healthier political environment in West Lindsey, which other councils could look to when there’s no obvious ruling party.
“It’s more relaxed, people are going around smiling now.”
She said the ruling group plans to continue until West Lindsey is dissolved in the council shake-up in 2028.
The administration group is made of 13 Conservatives, 11 Liberal Democrats, 3 Independent Councillors, 2 Lincolnshire Independents, and 1 Reform UK member.
Councillors complained that leaders of the previous administration had kept too much power to themselves, which they denied.
“We’ve changed the rules so leaders can’t keep the committee chair positions to themselves, which means more people than before are taking significant roles,” Cllr Brockway said.
“We are finding hidden talents in councillors who are having a chance to come forward – it’s lovely to watch them develop.”
The revolt in July 2025 saw leader Councillor Trevor Young and deputy leader Councillor Lesley Rollings (both Liberal Democrats) removed by 20 votes to seven.
Cllr Young continues to lead an opposition group made of seven Liberal Democrats.
He said at the time of the coup: “The Conservatives don’t have a mandate to lead”, and said he had taken on more responsibilities due to the inexperience of many new councillors.
