Wirral Council’s leader has been backed by fellow Labour councillors, despite a tough set of elections for the party.
Cllr Janette Williamson, who has led the local authority since September 2020, presided over last week’s local elections in which her Labour group lost seats. But there were positive signs for the party, as its vote share went up and Thursday night saw the party come very close to pulling off shock victories in two Conservative wards.
Posting about the news on Twitter, Cllr Williamson said: “Really chuffed that I've been unanimously supported by my group to continue as Leader. Thank you, I won't let you down.”
READ MORE: Local elections 2022: Labour clinging on in Wirral after another bruising night
Steve Rotheram, metro mayor for the Liverpool City Region, which includes Wirral, said the backing was “very much deserved”. Gaining the support of the Labour group does not necessarily mean Cllr Williamson will keep her leadership of Wirral Council, as the party does not have a majority.
After last week’s vote, Labour has just 26 of the borough’s 66 seats, well short of a majority, with the Tories just two seats behind on 24. Reflecting on the news, Cllr Williamson said: "It's a vote of confidence, and will allow us to continue to build on the great work we have been doing across Wirral, making sure every voice is heard.
“I am hopeful that the other group leaders will give me their backing, and we can work collaboratively to best serve our residents." This year’s local elections saw Labour lose seats in Bebington and Prenton to the Greens, as well as Pensby and Thingwall to the Conservatives.
However, the party gained two seats, picking one up from a councillor who defected from Labour after being elected in Rock Ferry in 2018 before standing down, as well as a seat in Leasowe and Moreton East which was previously vacant. Labour’s vote share also went up from 40% last year to 42% this year.
