THE NEW leader of Southampton City Council has now taken office following victory at the ballot box.

Labour officially took control of the council earlier today at a meeting of full council - the first since the local elections.

In it, Cllr Satvir Kaur was officially elected as leader.

Her first major announcement was in regards to the bus lane in Bitterne Road West, which was removed by the Conservative administration last June.

Cllr Kaur told councillors the controversial scheme will not return.

READ MORE: Bitterne Road West bus lane will not be reinstated

During the meeting, Cllr Kaur also announced her new Cabinet.

This is what it looks like:

  • Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children & Learning - Councillor Darren Paffey
  • Cabinet Member for Finance & Change - Councillor Steve Leggett
  • Cabinet Member for Health, Adults & Leisure - Councillor Lorna Fielker
  • Cabinet Member for Housing & the Green Environment - Councillor Lisa Mitchell
  • Cabinet Member for Economic Development - Councillor Sarah Bogle
  • Cabinet Member Transport & District Regeneration - Councillor Eamonn Keogh
  • Cabinet Member for Safer City - Councillor Matthew Renyard
  • Cabinet Member for Communities - Councillor Toqeer Kataria

Cllr Kaur thanked everyone who voted for the party at the election earlier this month.

A total of 17 seats were up for grabs on May 5.

Labour now has 26 seats, 21 are held by the Conservatives and one by the Lib Dems.

Cllr Kaur added: “It’s incredibly humbling that the Labour Party has been trusted again to lead our great city. As a new administration, we are keen and eager to start delivering for the people of Southampton, and create a safer, greener and more affordable city, with community pride at its centre.

“From the conversations we had with residents at their doorsteps, we know that there are many local and national issues, like the cost of living crisis, that are of real concern for many.

“We want to support local people in the best way we can and be a council that works with, as well as for, you.” Cllr Kaur went on to say: “I’m actually the first person of colour to become leader of Southampton and the first female Sikh council leader in the country.”

Outgoing council leader, Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry added: “Being leader of this council is an incredible privilege and honour.

“As a new Conservative administration, I’m very proud of what we managed to deliver.”

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