Amjid Ali confirmed as new Luton Council leader after Labour loses control

Councillor Amjid Ali has been elected as the new leader of Luton Council following the dramatic collapse of Labour’s nearly 20-year administration.

The Liberal Democrat councillor was elected at a fractious extraordinary meeting of Full Council this evening (14 September), following a vote of no confidence last week. The no-confidence motion was passed by 26 votes to 21, with one councillor abstaining.

The new administration now faces the task of governing with a different political balance at the council, following months of political turmoil and the most significant change in its leadership for two decades.

Cllr Tahmina Saleem had only been in charge of the council for four months after she replaced Cllr Hazel Simmons who stepped down having been in charge since 2007.

But the real political upheaval began in July when eight Labour councillors left the party and join the Independent Alliance Group, helping to deprive Labour of its overall control of the council.

The new administration is made up of councillors from the Liberal Democrat, Independent Alliance and Conservative groups, with Labour now becoming the council’s official opposition, with local elections due in May 2027.

Cllr Ali, who was first elected in 2019 and represents Barnfield Ward, said his immediate priority would be bringing stability to the authority following the change in leadership.

“I am both honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity and I fully recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it. Our absolute commitment will be to the people of Luton.

“My immediate priority will be to ensure stability and a renewed sense of purpose to the council, with a clear focus on the issues and priorities that matter most to our town.”

Cllr Ali is leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and has previously held a number of committee positions, most recently serving as chair of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board and Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee.

He said residents should not expect the political change to affect the council’s day-to-day services.

“Residents can be assured that the council continues to be here to provide the services they rely on every day. I look forward to working with councillors and council staff to make sure those services are delivered to a high standard, problems are dealt with and we stay focused on what matters most to the people of Luton.

“I want residents to see a council that listens, is visible and approachable, and is honest about the challenges it faces. We won’t always have all the answers, but we will always be prepared to listen, explain our decisions and work hard to make things better for our town and those who live and work here.”

The new leader is expected to confirm his Cabinet and portfolio responsibilities in the coming days.