A NEW administration is poised to take control of Southend after the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independents agreed a plan they believe with bring “stability” to the council.

A vote of no confidence in the Tory administration and leader Tony Cox will be held on Monday after the Tories lost four seats at the May elections and the Labour party became the biggest group on the council.

Labour now has 20 seats at Southend Council and announced today that an agreement has been reached with the Lib Dems and Independents to “form the stable administration the council and city needs moving forward”.

Southend’s Conservative group branded the three opposition parties a “coalition of chaos” back in February when the groups hijacked the Tory budget with a series of sweeping last minute amendments”.

Now, Labour party leader Daniel Cowan looks poised to become council leader and is confident the new administration will help steer the council through a challenging period that will see a new waste contract launched and the agreement of details around a 1,300 homes plan that will allow the sale of Southend United completed.

He said: “I am delighted to confirm that an agreement has been reached with two other groups to form the stable administration the council and city needs moving forward.

“The council has significant challenges ahead including managing the waste contract which the Conservatives agreed would change to fortnightly collection, taking Fossetts Farm forward to secure the future of the football club, and the budget strain we will inherit.

“These issues will require cross-party working and to give the city stability and security, it is importantly we do that officially.

“I look forward to working closely with colleagues from across the chamber to deliver on our agreed priorities for the city.”

Labour’s 20 councillors will be joined by four Lib Dems and the Independent Group to once again form a Labour-led joint coalition in the 51 seat council.

Paul Collins, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said “I am grateful for the opportunity to create a difference for the people of Southend.

“We must make the most of our time in administration to repay the collective trust placed in our groups. “We have a big job in front of us, but I am confident we will rise to the challenge with a cabinet that draws on the strengths and experience of a broad coalition.

“We will operate in a fair, transparent manner that enhances our services and protects our finances.”

Steve Wakefield, Independent Group spokesman, claimed the electorate had “clearly” voted for change at the recent election.

He added “The outcome of these elections were clear The electorate has spoken with their votes and voted the Conservatives out.

“Southend voted for a mix of political ideas and therefore the right thing to do is work collaboratively with other groups to deliver on shared values and make a difference to the people we’re elected to represent.

“This is a strong arrangement that protects our values and ability to represent the interests of our residents whilst ensuring the stability the council needs. “We will work well together and get on with the business of delivering for our city.