Gloucester City Council has no leader or cabinet after Jeremy Hilton lost a no-confidence vote 21–18 and a vote to reinstate him, 18–21, on Thursday. All seven cabinet members resigned; the Liberal Democrats said they would not put forward another leader.
Independent councillor Alastair Chambers submitted the motion over claims of financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency. Hilton said the council had a “toxic atmosphere” and had done an “exceptionally good job” under his leadership; Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers said Hilton had “lost his way.”
Opposition councillors are expected to explore whether they can agree on how the council should be run, through a formal coalition or ad hoc agreements. It is unclear when a decision will be made.
