The Official Opposition on Exeter City Council
The Progressive Group (pictured above) are now the official opposition on the City Council (26 Lab - 8 PG - 5 Cons)
At a meeting of Exeter City Councillors held on Friday 6th May 2022 the following:
Cllr Diana Moore (Green Party)
Cllr Kevin Mitchell (Liberal Democrat)
Cllr Jemima Moore (Independent)
Cllr Michael Mitchell (Liberal Democrat)
Cllr Amy Sparling (Green Party)
Cllr Catherine Rees (Green Party)
Cllr Tess Read (Green Party)
Cllr Carol Bennett (Green Party)
Agreed to collaborate through joint working arrangements in regard to issues of shared concern relating to the activities of Exeter City Council.
They agreed for the electoral cycle of 2022/23 to jointly form a 'group' as defined under the terms of the Exeter Constitution and for that group to be known as the 'Progressive Group'. The Group determined that they would operate a co-leadership arrangement. Cllr Diana Moore and Cllr Kevin Mitchell were appointed co-leaders. The City Council recognise this structure and currently both are invited to attend the Executive Committee of the Council.
The group agreed that there was no requirement to appoint a group whip, as members are free to exercise their vote as they wish. Members agreed to meet regularly, support each other in our council activities and discuss matters of mutual interest. Where priorities align members of the group would also collaborate to promote these.
Each member of the group agreed that when they issue material to the media connected to their council activities they would forward details to others members of the group. The group may also issue group statements to the media, and the group would agree a spokesperson/contact in regard to each statement.
It is recognised that members are from different political parties and backgrounds. It is not intended that the group formation should lead to a formal political alliance or electoral arrangement or in any way restrict members from carrying out ward duties or any other form of campaigning.
The group aims to hold the current Labour administration to effective account for its actions and to promote progressive ideals.