A string of rainbow coalitions have taken power in local authorities. Their records leave much to be desired
The term “rainbow coalition” conjures up the cuddly image of a diverse and inclusive political set-up, where everyone has a say in creating a better, brighter Britain. Some believe that it was first coined in Chicago in 1969, by Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party. But in Britain, it has taken on rather different connotations. It has come to be applied to councils in the UK run by “anyone but the Tories”.
The May local elections saw a big expansion in their number, with rainbow coalitions excluding the Conservatives from power in a string of councils where they are still the largest party. The Tories lost control of 48 councils across England, and while in some areas other parties gained majorities, there were 37 where no party secured overall control, kicking off a frenzy of coalition negotiations. Analysis by the PA news agency found that the Conservatives are still the largest party in 28 of these hung councils, but have been shut out of power in 14 of them.
A variety of formal and informal deals were agreed to run these authorities, most often involving a combination of Labour or the Liberal Democrats plus the Greens and independents. In some cases, such as West Suffolk and West Devon, all four of those groups came together to form an administration.
Tactical voting has always been an unspoken truth in politics, but as we witnessed in the by elections in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Selby and Ainsty, and Somerton and Frome, now it has become an open secret.