New Leader confirmed for Luton Council

At the meeting, councillors passed a resolution to remove the Leader of Luton Council, following a motion of no confidence moved at the Full Council meeting on 3 September. Councillors then elected Councillor Amjid Ali as the new Leader.

First elected in 2019, Councillor Ali is the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and represents Barnfield Ward. He has held a number of committee positions including most recently as Chair of the council Overview and Scrutiny Board and the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee.

The new administration comprises councillors from the Liberal Democrat, Independent Alliance and Conservative groups. The Labour Group will become the authority’s official opposition.

Councillor Amjid Ali, Leader of Luton Council, said: “I am both honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity and I fully recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it. Our absolute commitment will be to the people of Luton. My immediate priority will be to ensure stability and a renewed sense of purpose to the council, with a clear focus on the issues and priorities that matter most to our town.

“Residents can be assured that the council continues to be here to provide the services they rely on every day. I look forward to working with councillors and council staff to make sure those services are delivered to a high standard, problems are dealt with and we stay focused on what matters most to the people of Luton.

“I want residents to see a council that listens, is visible and approachable, and is honest about the challenges it faces. We won’t always have all the answers, but we will always be prepared to listen, explain our decisions and work hard to make things better for our town and those who live and work here.”

Councillor Ali will confirm the new Cabinet and portfolio responsibilities in the coming days.