Local Liberal Democrats have said it is "time to leave party politics behind" and "respond to the election result".

The Lib Dems gained one seat on Warwick District Council last week, as the Conservatives took huge losses to no longer be the largest party on the council.

Friday's (May 5) count left the Green party as the biggest group at WDC with 14 seats, but crucially without a majority.

Discussions are now underway between the groups to form a majority.

And while an announcement is yet to be made on a new leadership agreement, Lib Dem leader Cllr Alan Boad has called for all of the political groups to work together and to form a "rainbow administration".

"Local residents have sent a clear message to the politicians that they want all councillors to work together in the best interests of the district and to leave their party politics outside on the steps of the town hall," he said.

"I have called on all of the group leaders to respond to this initiative which would deliver an administration with a balance of both experience and refreshing new ideas."

The group said it is "determined" to kickstart the council's declared climate change and biodiversity emergencies and have gained support for establishing an all party committee to research, investigate and propose actions to meet the council's declared targets.

There had also been no majority group going into last week's elections, with the Conservatives joining forces with Whitnash Residents' Association to form a controlling group.

What Have the Greens Said?

Following Friday's count - which also saw the Greens take control of Kenilworth Town Council - discussions between the various parties have continued.

Speaking to the local democracy reporting service at the NAEC Stoneleigh last week, group leader Cllr Ian Davison would not be drawn on whether the Lib Dems were his first port of call.

"We have to see how we get on," he said.

"The Lib Dems and Greens voted against the current budget that has a £3.5 million deficit. Balancing the books and keeping services going, efficient and professional is the first step before we move on to the other things.

"With the cost-of-living crisis, climate emergency and war in Ukraine, reducing heating bills is number one. We don't have huge amounts of money but the council has been unable to use some of the grants, giving them back. That is an appalling waste so we must do a lot more on that.

"There are lots of ways that we can make it easier for people to insulate their homes and reduce costs. Locally, congestion is a huge issue. It will be really tough but working with the county council, finding ways forward on that will be really important. 

"There is a huge amount of house building going on and getting the right services in there will be important, and another challenge is the local plan which we need to find common ground on."