A new Cabinet has been appointed to lead Colchester City Council, following the authority’s rescheduled Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today (Wednesday 3 June). At the previous meeting on 27 May no Administration could be agreed which had left the Council in political limbo.
The make-up of the council is currently 18 seats for the Conservative group, 12 seats for the Liberal Democrat group, 9 seats for the Labour group, 5 seats for the Reform UK group, 4 seats for the newly formed Progressive Independence Alliance group and 3 seats for the Green Party group.
As no single group has a majority, the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups have agreed to form a coalition administration to provide stable leadership and support the delivery of the Council’s priorities.
Councillor Paul Dundas has been elected as Leader of the Council, with Councillor David King confirmed as Deputy Leader. Together, they will lead the new Cabinet in delivering the Council’s priorities for residents and communities across Colchester.
The newly appointed Cabinet is made up of eight councillors:
- Cllr Paul Dundas – Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy
- Cllr David King – Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection
- Cllr Darius Laws– Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Environment
- Cllr Alison Jay– Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Transformation and Digital
- Cllr Rhys Smithson – Portfolio Holder for Housing
- Cllr Andrew Luxford Vaughan – Portfolio Holder for Planning and Sustainable Development
- Cllr William Sunnucks – Portfolio Holder for Resources and Assets
- Cllr Martin Goss – Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure
The Cabinet will be responsible for key decision-making and shaping the Council’s strategic direction in the coming year.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Dundas, said: “It is a privilege to be elected Leader of Colchester City Council. This new administration is focused on providing stability and delivering for our residents, businesses and communities.
“We will prioritise strong financial management and ensure that council resources are used efficiently and responsibly. Supporting local economic growth, maintaining high-quality public services, and keeping Colchester clean, safe and well-managed will be key areas of focus.
“As we look ahead to Local Government Reorganisation, we will be focusing relentlessly on delivery and getting as much done for Colchester in the remaining time this Council has available. We will also be looking to leave a legacy of ideas, projects and a vision to take Colchester forward which our successor Council can pick up and continue with, should they wish.”
Deputy Leader, Cllr David King, added: “I am pleased to take on the role of Deputy Leader and to support the Leader and Cabinet in delivering the Council’s priorities.
“Our focus will be on the issues that matter most to residents, including supporting people with the cost of living, addressing housing need and ensuring access to safe, affordable homes. We will continue to invest in community infrastructure and services that support strong, healthy and connected neighbourhoods, while ensuring the Council is ready for Local Government Reorganisation and fit for the future.”
For full details of the local election results, visit: 2026 Election results | Colchester City Council