A reshuffle of North Yorkshire Council's committees following the Conservative-led group’s loss of its majority may not take place until next year.
Opposition leaders at the unitary authority have this week called for the political make-up of the committees to be reassessed after the Conservative and Independent group lost its majority.
Oatlands and Pannal councillor,John Mann’s decision to become an unaffiliated independent councillor means the controlling Tory group has 45 out of the 90 councillors.
Of those, 42 are Conservatives and three are independent councillors aligned to the group.
The majority of the council’s committees, other than those based on constituency areas, have a majority of councillors from the Conservative and Independents group.
However, opposition councillors say the political proportionality of the committees should now be reassessed.
Councillor Kevin Foster, leader of the Green and Independents group on the authority, said:
“I hope this can be sorted out with agreement from all parties to achieve a clear way forward for everybody to ensure the council can function effectively.”
The council’s head of democratic services, Daniel Harry, confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that Cllr Mann had resigned.
He said:
“This means the Conservative and Independents no longer have an absolute majority on the authority. However, the group is still the largest, with 45 out of 90 councillors.”
On the issue of the committees, he added:
“Assuming a request is made to reallocate seats on our committees to take into account the changes in political representation, then this will go to the meeting of the full council on February 13 next year.
“Cllr Carl Les remains the council’s leader and the executive continues in its current form.”
The LDRS understands the make-up of the committees could be changed sooner if an extraordinary meeting of the authority is held.
This would need to be agreed by the chair of the council or could be requested by five councillors.
Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance
