Stay updated with breaking news from Brian jarvis. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
AS we approach May s election, control of Colchester Council is teetering on a knife-edge. The town hall is controlled by a coalition of Labour and the Lib Dems, who together hold 24 seats. There are 51 seats in the borough, meaning the coalition is technically a minority administration. The Highwoods Independents were part of what was then called the rainbow alliance , but 18 months ago they packed their bags. Support is now on a vote by vote basis, meaning there are some crunch votes on contentious issues. The Conservative Group are the largest group on the council, holding 21 seats. In May they need to secure an additional five, as well as hold all of their existing ones, to hold an overall majority. ....
So what are the potential scenarios? Firstly, because of election by thirds, the likelihood of largescale change is small, so the most likely outcome is for small change.
However, due to the current political make up, a swing of just five seats could make all the difference. This time not all incumbent councillors are standing with Liberal Democrat Thersea Higgins and Conservatives Christopher Arnold, Fiona Maclean and John Elliot not contesting their seats. Deputy leader Julie Young will be hoping to hold onto her Greenstead seat for Labour while the council’s waste boss and Lib Dem group leader Martin Goss will hope to do the same with his Mile End seat. ....
Credit Kentucky Arts Council Gov. Andy Beshear, in his opening remarks, said the nine honorees demonstrate “the irreplaceable value the arts play in contributing to our communities, education and economy,” even during a global pandemic that has disrupted the arts and culture sector. “Kentucky artists have embraced these challenging times to transform and broaden our way of thinking through our shared love and appreciation of the arts,” he said. “Your ability to think outside the box has yielded creative solutions, allowing the arts to continue to thrive in Kentucky.” The state has given out the Governor’s Awards in the Arts since 1977 to acknowledge the contributions of Kentucky artists, arts and culture businesses and arts patrons, said Kentucky Arts Council executive director Chris Cathers, who was master of ceremonies. ....
Aldham murder probe: Neighbour pays tribute to Donald Ralph, 83 basildonstandard.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from basildonstandard.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Donald Ralph, 83, was found dead at a bungalow in Halstead Road, Aldham. Police were first called at about 1pm on Monday, responding to reports a man had been found unresponsive inside the property. One grieving neighbour described Mr Ralph as a friend with a “heart of gold, who was one of the nicest men you could hope to meet.” Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and footage of the nearby area from Monday afternoon onwards. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are supporting Mr Ralph’s family at this distressing time and would like to thank residents for the support they have given his family, as well as the help they have given our officers. ....