In a significant political shakeup, Labour has lost control of Broxtowe Borough Council in Nottinghamshire, with only months remaining until the next local elections. The announcement, made by the council’s longstanding leader Milan Radulovic and 19 of his fellow Labour councillors, marks a dramatic turn for the party. The group, now identifying as the Broxtowe Independents, has stripped Labour of both administrative and opposition roles at Nottinghamshire County Council.
Leadership Fallout and Party Discontent
Councillor Milan Radulovic, who has been a central figure in Broxtowe’s Labour-led governance for over two decades, cited growing dissatisfaction with the national Labour leadership under Sir Keir Starmer as a key factor in his decision. Broxtowe Labour had publicly opposed some of the party’s policies, including the means-testing of winter fuel payments. Radulovic emphasised that his group’s departure stemmed from a commitment to independent local governance rather than strict adherence to national directives.
Broxtowe’s Shift to Minority Administration
The Broxtowe Independents, while now the largest group on the council, do not have enough members to govern outright. They will rely on the support of opposition parties to pass measures. This move follows Labour’s short-lived regaining of control at Broxtowe during the May 2023 local elections, which had ended a period of no overall control.
Impact on Nottinghamshire County Council
The departure of former Labour councillor John McGrath, who also serves on Nottinghamshire County Council, has compounded Labour’s losses. With McGrath’s defection, Labour no longer holds the position of official opposition, a historic first for the Conservative-run authority.
Internal Party Tensions and Local Fallout
Labour’s local challenges in Broxtowe have been mounting for some time. In 2023, the party faced accusations of blocking local group access to funding for a Beeston community hub, which ultimately closed. A broader rift emerged when longstanding member Greg Marshall was barred from standing in the 2024 general election, prompting mass resignations within Broxtowe’s constituency Labour Party.
Councillor Radulovic characterised Labour’s candidate selection process for the upcoming 2025 elections as a “centrist purge,” disenfranchising hard-working local representatives. A Labour spokesperson defended the selection process, stating its aim was to ensure high-calibre candidates.
Labour’s Response and Next Steps
In response to the defections, remaining Labour councillors reaffirmed their commitment to Broxtowe residents. “It is incredibly disappointing that some Broxtowe councillors have decided to leave the Labour Party and sit as independents when they were elected on a Labour ticket just over 18 months ago,” they said. They vowed to work alongside Labour MPs Juliet Campbell and Alex Norris to advance the party’s vision for Broxtowe.
Looking Ahead
The timing of this political upheaval could have significant implications for Labour as it prepares for the Nottinghamshire County Council elections in May 2025. The loss of a key council and internal discord may pose challenges for Labour’s efforts to present a unified front, while the Broxtowe Independents face the challenge of navigating minority governance.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Broxtowe to see how the new political landscape unfolds and what it means for the wider Nottinghamshire electorate.
