TWO of Brighton’s rival political parties have agreed to work together to sort out the city’s key issues.

The Labour Party and Greens have announced a shared interest in fighting several of the city’s problems including tackling homelessness, the climate emergency and challenging austerity.

Labour councillor Nancy Platts, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Residents have sent a very clear message that they want and expect the progressive parties they voted for to work together.

“I am excited at the prospect of working with Green Party councillors and all interested groups to deliver positive change in our city.

“While we are two distinct parties, we share many important objectives and will work together proactively to change the nature of council decision making to become more inclusive and transparent, as well as more collaborative.”

Green party convenor Cllr Phélim Mac Cafferty also urged the parties to work on the city’s “diversity, inclusion and equalities” as part of Brighton and Hove’s status as a City of Sanctuary.

He said: “As in the past four years, Greens will be constructive where it is needed in our role as official opposition.

“But, one thing is clear – our residents and our city deserve and need action on the critical issues of homelessness, climate crisis, austerity and city of sanctuary.

“We will work with the Labour Council and pledge to stand up for what is best for our city, as well as continuing to hold our council to the high standards our city expects and deserves.”

The announcement will be ratified at the annual meeting of the council tomorrow.

The Labour Party will form the administration of the council and the Greens form the official opposition, with Councillor Nancy Platts as leader of the council and Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty as convenor of the official opposition.