Lib Dem majority reshapes leadership and committees at full council

Portsmouth City Council convened its first full meeting on May 19, 2026, following the Liberal Democrats’ victory in the May 7 local elections, securing an overall majority of 22 seats out of 42. Reform UK became the main opposition with 12 seats, while Labour, Conservatives, and an independent councillor hold the remaining four, three, and one seats respectively. The meeting marked the first session in the newly refurbished council chamber and included the re-election of Cllr Steve Pitt as council leader, with Reform UK members abstaining. Pitt acknowledged the vote but warned his leadership may last only two years, as the council faces abolition under government-backed Local Government Reorganisation plans, which would merge Portsmouth with Gosport, Havant, and Fareham. Cabinet positions remained largely unchanged, except for Cllr Dave Ashmore’s resignation from environmental services, replaced by Cllr Stuart Brown. Pitt praised Ashmore’s contributions but emphasized the council’s uncertain future. Committee chairs and vice chairs were appointed across key panels. The planning committee, overseeing planning applications, will be led by Liberal Democrat Cllr Suzy Horton, with Labour’s Cllr Mary Vallely as vice chair. The licensing sub-committee, handling new licensing rules, will be chaired by Liberal Democrat Cllr Richard Adair, with Reform UK’s George Madgwick as vice chair. Scrutiny panels were also restructured, with Reform UK members Russell Simpson and Matthew Cordy co-leading the Economic Development, Culture and Leisure panel. The Education, Children and Young People panel will be chaired by Conservative Cllr Hannah Brent, while the Health Overview panel will be led by Liberal Democrats Mark Jeffery and newly elected Denise Perry. The council’s Governance, Audit and Standards Committee, ensuring legal and ethical operations, will be chaired by Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Holder, with Reform UK’s Matthew Cordy as vice chair. The reshuffle reflects the Liberal Democrats’ majority but underscores ongoing political and administrative challenges ahead.