Babergh councillors still to decide on shape after elections

So it's no surprise that the council's politicians are still trying to work out the shape of the new administration well after this year's votes have been counted.

The Greens have ended up as the biggest party on the council with 10 members - but there are nine Independents and smattering of Liberal Democrat, Conservative and  Labour members as well.

Independent (former Conservative) John Ward was leader of Babergh before the election and is expecting to talk to colleagues about the future shape of the council.

Outgoing council leader John Ward. (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)

He said: "It is too early to say what will happen - I will be talking to the different parties over the next few days and I hope something will emerge."

The increased number of Green councillors puts them in a much stronger position - but former group leader Leigh Jamieson is his party's only councillor who was a member of the previous council.

He said: "From a numerical point of view we are in a strong position to claim the leadership of the council but we will have to speak to other parties to see what we can agree on.

"We'd likely to work very closely with Mid Suffolk where we are in a majority to update planning guidance for the two councils."

Members of Babergh have until May 23 when their annual meeting is due to come up with a workable cabinet - but Mr Jamieson hoped that an agreement could be reached next week.

But last-minute negotiations are nothing new in Babergh. Since 1973 when the first elections were held for the new authority, only once - in 2015 - has one party won a majority.