Council leader resigns after election postponement

The Labour leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council said he would resign next week, following disagreement over the postponement of local elections.

Labour's cabinet majority has twice approved decisions opposed by most councillors, including the reorganisation of local government and then on election delays.

Max Holloway has led a Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition since May 2024, but has faced criticism from Lib Dem members in recent months.

Announcing his resignation, Holloway said he was stepping down "to remove any potential for distraction from the important task at hand".

He continued: "The transition to a new unitary council is a complex and massive undertaking.

"The work ahead of us is too important to let any disagreement over leadership be the cause of delay or disruption for our residents. Our community's needs must always come first."

His resignation will take effect from 6 February when a new leader will be elected at a full council meeting, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Holloway argued in favour of delaying May's local elections in Welwyn Hatfield – a decision now agreed by government – because he believed they would distract from the work of preparing for local government reorganisation.

The reorganisation will see all district and borough councils in Hertfordshire abolished, as well as the county council, and replaced with new unitary authorities that take over all existing services within a given area.

The Liberal Democrats triggered the dispute clause in the Joint Administration Agreement on 16 January.

Holloway said he hoped an agreement could be reached in the coming days, but added that Labour could lead a minority administration if necessary.

Tony Kingsbury, leader of the council's Conservative group, said the votes on local government reorganisation and the postponement of local elections were "fundamental to democratic accountability".

He continued: "For the Labour party leadership to vote against that expressed will showed a disregard for the authority of council.

"The subsequent resignation speaks for itself."

Liberal Democrat Jane Quinton, deputy leader of the council, has been contacted for comment.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.