Two political groups which suffered disappointing election results in Stoke-on-Trent have both re-elected their leaders.

It comes as the Conservatives - who more than doubled their tally of councillors on Stoke-on-Trent City Council - are understood to be keen on forming a fresh coalition with the City Independents.

But Labour's re-elected group leader Mohammed Pervez has refused to rule out brokering a coalition deal for his own party.

Victorious Labour leader Mohammed Pervez
Victorious Labour leader Mohammed Pervez

Labour remain the largest party, with 16 seats on the council, despite losing five seats and veteran councillors like Joan Bell and Joy Garner.

The City Independents met for their group meeting on Tuesday night. Former council leader Ann James was re-elected as group leader and Randy Conteh is the deputy leader.

Councillor Randy Conteh retains seat on Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Councillor Randy Conteh retains seat on Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Mrs James said: "We've got to sit and speak to people and try and find out what we can negotiate."

If there is another deal with the Conservatives, it is likely to mean Abi Brown stepping up to lead the council. She has now been re-elected as the head of the Tory group.

Cheshire East Tory leader resigns

Cheshire East Council will have a brand new leader later this month in the wake of the Conservatives’ drubbing at the ballot box.

Rachel Bailey has resigned as Tory group leader and has been replaced by Wybunbury councillor Janet Clowes.

But it is far from certain which party will run the authority as the Conservatives have lost their majority. They now hold 34 of the 82 seats – 15 fewer than before the election.

Labour have 25 seats, the Liberal Democrats have four and independents hold 19 seats.

The Conservative group met this week. A statement issued after the meeting said: “Councillor Rachel Bailey announced that she would be standing down as leader of the Conservative group, but will continue as Cheshire East Council leader until the full annual council meeting on May 22.

“Councillor Rachel Bailey thanked the group members for their ongoing support. However, she feels that having fulfilled her commitments to the Conservative group, it is an opportune moment to step aside to enable a new leader to take on this important role.”

It comes after she only just held on to her own Audlem seat after seeing her majority slashed to just 78.

Several Tory cabinet members – including Congleton’s Paul Bates – lost their council seats.

Labour gained nine extra councillors on election night in the borough. But it was the surge of the independents that proved the most marked.

The Independent Group could now become kingmakers or choose to remain in opposition.

But Mrs James added: "I only hope the Conservative Government is going to give us loads of money for what the Conservatives have promised.

"We've got Labour and the Conservatives promising loads of millions coming into the city, they've never given it us before. So I'm really excited about that."

She said she would be writing a letter to 'thank the people' who voted for the City Independents and 'the people who worked hard and lost their seat'.

Deputy Lord Mayor Jackie Barnes celebrates victory in the Springfields and Trent Vale ward

Conservative members have confirmed they would like City Independent deputy mayor Jackie Barnes to become Stoke-on-Trent's Lord Mayor for the next four years. Mrs Barnes said: "Nothing is set in concrete. Ann has got to meet with Abi to discuss terms."

All eyes are now on the Conservative group. The Tories gained eight seats on the city council, bringing the total to 15.

Meir Hay councillor Craig Beardmore was present at the group's latest meeting. He said: "It was mostly talking to the new councillors about their roles and what they're going to be doing and about the next four years."

Councillor Daniel Jellyman

Councillor Daniel Jellyman confirmed Abi Brown has been re-elected as group leader. He added: "I personally am happy to work with the City Independents again and think we worked well together for four years."

Mr Pervez said: "The Labour Party is the largest group on the council and we stand ready to work for the benefit of our city. It’s clear that no one won these elections and we now need to find a way forward that brings the city together.

"After nine years of Conservative austerity, our city is suffering and hurting and every councillor needs to ask themselves what they are going to do to make our city the best it can be and stand up for the people we all represent."

Labour will decide on its cabinet or shadow cabinet positions next week.

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