Newbury has a new mayor - but a row breaks out over which party he is from

A political row has erupted over which party mayors in Newbury should come from.

A new Liberal Democrat mayor, David Harman has just been sworn in – he was deputy mayor last year.

But the move has seen criticism from the opposition bench on Newbury Town Council, claiming the Lib Dems have used a block vote to prevent a Green Party nominee, Steve Masters, from getting the gig.

Green leader David Marsh said: “In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Newbury's latest Liberal Democrat mayor said: ‘Let us build a community where everyone feels connected.’ Were his town council colleagues listening?

“The ruling Lib Dem group chose to put forward one of their own members yet again, which means that by the next council elections in 2027, Newbury will have had Lib Dem mayors and deputy mayors eight years in a row.

“During that period the council has also included Green, Conservative and Independent members, but civic office remains a private club: ‘Not on the Lib Dem membership list? Then you're not coming in!’”

Mayor and deputy mayor are ceremonial rather than political roles, and traditionally senior members of the council who have demonstrated significant service to the town have taken on these duties.

“Steve [Masters] more than qualifies,” added his champion, Mr Marsh.

“He is in his seventh year representing the residents of Speenhamland ward, with a council attendance record that puts some members to shame.

“He also has an impressive record of public service – dedicating many hours to Eight Bells for Mental Health, Speen Community Café, the homeless shelter, warm winter hubs, and other local charities and community groups.

“The Liberal Democrats are well aware of all this, so what is their objection?

“Until they took control of the council in 2019, there had been a tradition of cross-party support for mayoral candidates.

“Even after the Conservatives’ landslide victory in 2015, they honoured this convention and voted a Lib Dem mayor into office.

“I’m genuinely baffled by the ‘only Lib Dems need apply’ attitude – which at no point, either publicly or privately, have they attempted to justify or even explain.

“It’s party political tribalism of the worst kind, which fails to reflect the membership of the council, its traditions, and the people it is meant to serve.

“Whichever party you support, Steve Masters is well known and well respected in the town and I believe he would be a popular choice throughout the community.

“Perhaps this is what the Liberal Democrats fear.”

Town council leader Gary Norman was asked for comment. He chose not to.