Independent councillor wants to keep ‘politics’ out of local government after joining cabinet

A newly-appointed independent cabinet member at Hampshire County Council wants to keep ‘politics’ out of local government after securing a senior role in the authority’s new administration.

Cllr Andy Tree, leader of the Independent Group at the council, was appointed cabinet member for corporate services, people and local government reorganisation (LGR) following negotiations between political groups after the county council elections.

Speaking about how discussions unfolded, Cllr Tree said that his role as leader of the Independent Group helped place him at the centre of conversations around the future administration.

The group includes councillors from Eastleigh, Hart and Havant, but does not have enough seats to control the council.

“In recent weeks, various groups were talking to each other about who would control the council, who would become leader and what the make-up of the administration and cabinet would be,” he said.

Cllr Tree said neither Reform UK nor the Liberal Democrats were realistically in a position to form a stable administration.

“This left the Conservatives, as the single largest party, able to potentially work with the Lib Dems, Reform or Independents. Working with Independents was clearly of more benefit.”

He added that it became clear during Thursday’s formal vote that the Conservative leader would secure re-election regardless of how he voted, allowing him to negotiate a cabinet position in return for his support.

“My cabinet position and support for the leader-in-waiting was therefore the result of a clever and successful negotiation, and I received the cabinet role.”

As part of the agreement, Louise Parker-Jones, deputy leader of the Independent Group, was appointed Vice Chairman of the Council.

Cllr Tree said his approach would focus on cooperation rather than party politics.

“I was elected on a mandate to work with all parties to achieve results and I want to keep ‘politics’ out of what I do as much as possible. Not easy in what can sometimes be a politically charged chamber at HCC.

“I am well up for the challenge ahead and I hope councillors of all sides can find ways to work constructively with each other to serve Hampshire at this critical time.”

One of the most significant elements of Cllr Tree’s new portfolio is oversight of LGR, amid ongoing debate over the future structure of councils across Hampshire.

Asked about the county council’s decision to continue pursuing a judicial review, announced by council leader Nick Adams-King, Cllr Tree said the situation remained complex.

“As a new cabinet member, there is a lot to digest and work through. In particular, there will be legal advice and potentially a response from the government to the judicial review pre-action letter, which was sent before the May 7 election.”

He added that cabinet decisions would be taken “responsibly and collectively”, with a focus on securing the best outcome for residents across Hampshire.

Cllr Tree acknowledged that the local government reorganisation brief could prove especially difficult over the coming year.

“The LGR part will be very challenging and could be argued to be a poison chalice when, ultimately, the government, and not us, makes such decisions, but I am up for the challenge and highly motivated to work for fellow residents.”

Looking ahead, he said success would mean creating “a clear plan for the future”, delivering tangible benefits for residents and ensuring that “local priorities are not forgotten” in Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford.